Extension hosting meeting on hay shortage issues

GATE CITY – Virginia Cooperative Extension will host a meeting on the statewide hay shortage for livestock producers Sept. 29. Scott County Extension Agent Scott Jerrell said Monday the meeting - 6:30 p.m. at the Gate City Extension Office, 369 Gateway Plaza, Suite 102 – will feature veterinarian Dr. John Currin of the Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine. Currin will discuss ways that livestock farmers and producers can deal with projected winter hay shortages from extreme heat and low rainfall this spring and summer. The session will include hands-on analysis of actual feeding options for livestock, Jerrell said, and producers can bring forage samples for Currin's assessment. Virginia Gov. Abigail Spanberger declared a state of emergency on Sept. 16 because of a shortage of hay due to statewide drought conditions. The associated executive order suspended truck width restrictions – but not gross and axle weight - for hay haulers during all of October so livestock farmers and producers can arrange for winter hay supplies. Jerrell said Scott County producers have had a "pretty decent" second cutting of hay in the past month thanks to lower temperatures and adequate rainfall. Getting that second round of hay baled required two to three days without rainfall before baling, and Jerrell said that placed many farmers under tight schedules with recent weather. First hay cuttings earlier this season were not as good thanks to hot temperatures, and Jerrell said that could mean a shortage of winter hay if winter weather is colder and wetter than usual. To register for the Sept. 29 meeting, call the Scott County Extension Office at (276) 4562-2772. If you are a person with a disability and desire any assistive devices, services or other accommodations to participate in this activity, contact Jerrell at 276-452-2772/TDD during business hours, 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., to discuss accommodations five days prior to the event. The TDD number is (800) 828-1120. Online: -Virginia Department of Environmental Quality's Drought Monitoring website: https://www.deq.virginia.gov/water/water-quantity/drought -Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services webpage for Disaster Recovery Resources for Virginia Farmers: https://www.vdacs.virginia.gov/conservation-and-environmental-disaster-resources-farmers.shtml