Request from Colorado Cattlemen

While some Colorado ranchers hit by recent blizzards are still looking for their cattle, others are now looking for hay. "Most ranchers on the Eastern Plains graze their cattle for a good portion of the winter. The blanket of snow that has covered the plains makes this impossible now, and the hay supplies are dwindling rapidly," said Terry Fankhauser, Executive Vice President of the Colorado Cattlemen's Association.

The Colorado Cattlemen's Association has put together a hay contact list on their website at http://www.coloradocattle.org , in response to the calls and requests they are getting. Anyone with available hay is encouraged to send an email to info@coloradocattle.org , including contact information, hay type, size/weight of bales, amount of hay available, location, shipping options, and cost.The information will be posted on the website as it comes in.

CCA is also working with the Colorado Livestock Association (CLA) and Colorado Farm Bureau ( CFB ) to secure drop locations for hay donations. "The hay shortage in the blizzard areas is a big concern," Fankhauser said. With several months of feeding before spring, ranchers in the blizzard area are concerned about their rapidly-dwindling hay supplies.  Anyone with available hay can contact CCA at (303) 431-6422 or CLA at (970) 378-0500 , or visit the CCA website at www.coloradocattle.org.

 

Annual directory helps buyers locate
Colorado Hay

The Colorado Hay Directory connects growers to ranchers who need hay for their livestock. As a service to these producers and buyers, the Colorado Department of Agriculture publishes the Colorado Hay Directory annually. The 2006 edition of the directory is available to the public at no cost.

"As one of Colorado 's leading crops, hay is an important part of Colorado 's agricultural industry," said Wendy White, marketing specialist for the Colorado Department of Agriculture. "This directory helps producers market their hay and is an excellent resource for buyers."

The 19th edition of the Colorado Hay Directory is the biggest to date, listing 102 producers and brokers of hay. Categorized by region, the directory lists the type of hay, size of bales, tonnage, whether it is certified weed free and if a lab analysis is available.

The hay directory is available online at www.coloradoagriculture.com or the link "haylist" link on your left.

For more information or to request a copy of the 2006 Colorado Hay Directory, call the Colorado Department of Agriculture at (303) 239-4115.