The USDA is projecting a smaller hay crop in 2022.
That is largely due to lower yields caused by drought or near-drought conditions in parts of the Midwest and Plains.
All hay production is expected to total 67.659 million tons, 3.292 million less than 2021, with the average yield of 1.88, cancelling out a rise in harvested area to 36.042 million acres. In 2021, production was 70.951 million tons with an average yield of 2 tons per acre and harvested area of 35.49 million acres.
