FRANKFORT, Ky. — Many Kentucky livestock producers have already started dipping into their winter supply of hay to feed animals due to a low hay supply mainly created by this year’s prolonged drought.

But, a little help is on the way with the signing of an executive order by Kentucky Gov. Ernie Fletcher last week that will help state farmers get much-needed hay to make up for shortages caused by drought and the April freeze.

At the urging of Agriculture Commissioner Richie Farmer, Fletcher’s order waives size and weight restrictions for vehicles transporting hay and other livestock forages through Kentucky. The order also waives permit fees for oversized or overweight vehicles carrying forages. Carriers are required to obtain all necessary permits for route verification.

“This will make it easier and cheaper for cattle producers, horse farms and others to get the forages they need to feed their herds through the winter,” Farmer said.

Farmer and members of his senior staff worked with state officials and representatives of Kentucky Farm Bureau, the University of Kentucky, the Kentucky Cattlemen’s Assoc., the Kentucky Dairy Development Council and other agricultural organizations to iron out details of the directive.

The 2007 Kentucky hay crop could be down by as much as 50 percent over last year’s 6.3 million tons valued at nearly $493 million. Five consecutive days of below-freezing temperatures in early April damaged this year’s first cutting. The drought further limited hay and pasture growth creating a shortfall that has forced some farmers to feed crop residue, buy commercial feeds or sell livestock.

University of Kentucky Extension livestock and forage economist Kenny Burdine said it is especially important this year to explore all feeding options and to have hay supplies tested.

“Like any year, the price of hay is subject to the market and hay is expensive and a lot of that is driven by the transportation cost. Farmers should not feed hay just because that’s what they’ve always done,” he said.

“Look at all the options and it is important to test the hay especially with so much coming from other places. Quality is important. Given the price of hay, it may be cheaper to substitute other methods of feeding. It will take more management.”

Last week the state experienced the most significant rainfall occurrence of the year which may aid in grazing opportunities according to Gary Lacefield, UK Extension forage specialist. “This is not hay making weather but more grazing days will be where we’re going to make up ground now, that’s our biggest hope,” he said.

“We have to be optimistic and count on next year being better but right now we have a very good temperature range to grow cool grass.”

This year’s weather conditions have prompted disaster declarations for all 120 counties in the state from the USDA but Commissioner Farmer, who is president of the Southern Association of State Departments of Agriculture, has urged Congress to put drought relief for affected farmers in the farm bill making them eligible for grants.

Kentucky’s U.S. Sixth District Congressman Ben Chandler said that even though the House has passed their version of the farm bill, he holds out hope for a Senate version that will provide extra help.

“Kentucky has faced an extraordinarily dry season this year, causing significant crop damage and losses to farmers in our communities. The House passed the 2007 farm bill in July, before much of the devastation was realized,” said Chandler.

“The bill is currently being considered in the Senate, and I am hopeful that they will include an amendment that will provide $5 billion for a disaster trust fund to aid farmers who lost crops to natural disasters. I will strongly support any provision that provides assistance and relief to the many Kentucky farmers who have suffered serious losses from this year’s drought.”

The Kentucky Department of Agriculture (KDA) has set up a Hay Hotline for producers with hay to sell or looking for hay to buy. To get on one of the lists, call toll-free 1-888-567-9589. The KDA also hosts a Hay Directory where hay for sale is listed by county. To view the Hay Directory, go to www.kyagr.com, click on Programs and click on Hay for Sale (tested).