DES MOINES – Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Bill Northey today announced that farmers can list corn that is available to be chopped for silage on the Iowa hay and straw directory. The change is in response to the drought conditions affecting all of Iowa and the many livestock farmers that are looking for additional feed as a result.
“We have started to see some corn being chopped for silage and I expect we will see much more than usual as pastures and hay ground have dried up and farmers are looking for alternatives,” Northey said. “The drought has been especially tough on livestock farmers and we hope the directory continues to be a resource as farmers seek additional feed sources for their animals.”
The Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship had previously allowed farmers with Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) and Wetland Reserve Program (WRP) land available for haying to be listed on the hay and straw directory as well. All haying activities on those lands must be completed by August 31, 2012, so it is important farmers interested in the emergency haying program contact their local FSA or NRCS office quickly.
The Iowa Hay and Straw Directory offered by the Department each year and lists producers with hay and straw for sale, as well as organizations and businesses associated with promoting and marketing quality hay and straw.
Farmers interested in listing should visit the Department’s website at www.IowaAgriculture.gov. An application form can be found by going to the “Home Page” and then clicking on the Marketing tab on the top of the page” and then selecting Hay and Straw in the right hand column. This will take you directly to the Hay & Straw Directory.
For those without internet access, please call the Hay/Straw Hotline at 800-383-5079. The Department will fax or send a printed copy of the application to be filled out.
