Combs Notes Texas Hay
Hotline Still Active

AUSTIN — With dry conditions intensifying across the state, Texas Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs is reminding Texas livestock producers that the Hay Hotline, which links buyers with hay sellers, is still in operation.

Farmers and ranchers can access the Hay Hotline on the Texas Department of Agriculture's website at www.agr.state.tx.us or request a list of hay suppliers by calling toll-free 1-877-429-1998.

"With the abnormally dry conditions Texas has been experiencing since mid-summer and the diminishing forage and hay supplies, the Hay Hotline makes locating hay easier for producers," Combs said. "Based on long-range climate predications and La Niña remaining strong, the forecast may not improve anytime soon. I want to ensure that Texas producers are able to locate hay for winter feeding."

The Hay Hotline connects Texas producers needing forage with hay suppliers from Texas and out-of-state. It was started during the 1996 drouth and revived during 1998 when hay supply levels were again low. In March, Commissioner Combs reinstated the Hay Hotline as a pro-active approach because of the potential for another drouth.

"In some areas of the state, forage for grazing is non-existent and hay supplies are depleted or are dwindling fast, since producers had to start feeding earlier than normal," Combs said. "In November, pasture and range conditions were at 36 percent of normal compared with 56 percent normal at the same time last year."

As an added service, the Hotline takes information about pasture availability for Texas producers looking for pasture for their livestock.