Hay Farmers in Kentucky Long for Dry Spell Amid Persistent Rainfall
Paris, Kentucky: Loving the Rain, but to A Limit
Paris, Kentucky, has seen an unusual amount of rain lately, much to the chagrin of hay farmers. Listening to the rhythm of rain isn’t so calming for them, especially when it poses threats to the hay harvest impacting their annual yields and livelihoods. One such hay grower is Todd McFarland, whose fields are filled with an as-yet uncut crop.
The Plight of a Veteran Hay Farmer
McFarland, an experienced farmer with credibility dating back to 1864, laments over the prevailing weather. He usually slashes his crop around Memorial Day, but the raining skies extending into June has left him behind his schedule. “We’re facing difficulties, not only to enter the fields but also to slash the hay due to the vast amount of moisture residing in the soil,” he grumbled. He explained the unusual phenomenon, “Upon cutting the soaked crop, we observe a steaming impact emerging from the soil. It’s the sun’s rays attempting to draw the moisture out.”
Hay: The Prestige Feed of the Horse Capital
Residing in the horse capital of the world, McFarland’s hay is not meant for any ordinary consumer. His prestigious clientele consists of top-notch horse owners requiring superior-quality hay for their million-dollar mares and stallions. “This year, the quality seems to be a notch lower than the previous seasons, which is worrisome. We simply can’t feed inferior quality hay to these high-valued horses,” he expressed anxiously.
Awaiting the Favorable Forecast
Hay harvest depends heavily on immaculate weather conditions. McFarland says they need at least three to five consecutive days of dry and sunny climate to execute their next cut. “These are the trials and tribulations that come with the profession. We just have to cope up with it and have faith that matters will eventually fall into place,” he optimistically reflected.
Damp Weather Damps the Farm
Unfavorable weather is certainly creating a dent in industry productivity but the farmers continue to hold on to their hope, waiting for the clouds to give way to the golden sun. Kentucky’s lush green fields currently resemble a massive open steam room, something hay farmers across the state are wishing to dry out soon.
