Just being curious. We have a couple ethenol plants going up locally and the farmers are saying they are taking first crop this spring and plowing under their hay fields and planting corn. This sure has the markings of scarce hay sources at premium prices for the next few years. Has anyone else had this happen in their area? What happened price wise and availability wise for hay? Certainly can't blame the farmers. It's about time they had something bright in their future. It's just that now horse owning might get a tad more pricey! Our spring prices are currently anywhere from 1.75-3.00 a small square.

I live on the west coast, so we don't have hay shortages. We pay anywhere form $8 - $16 a bale. That is depending on quailty and type of hay or course.

Small bales? OK now I understand why board was in the price ranges posted on another thread. I just packed my barn full of big bales I picked up for $20.00 a bale. One lasts my 2 horses for a month. Bought all I could fit on the equipment trailer!