Quantity, not quality amidst short in hay supply

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Quantity, not quality amidst short in hay supply

Kristen Sindelar
Jan 5, 2026
Jan 5, 2026

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If you鈥檙e sitting on a stockpile of subpar hay that is undervalued, rest assured you鈥檙e not alone.

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Alfalfa market 1.JPEG — The number of acres dedicated to alfalfa production in the U.S. has decreased nearly 40% since 2000.
Midwest Messenger photo by Kristen Sindelar

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Alfalfa market 2.jpg — The Jahnke family loads small square bales for a delivery this winter on their farm near Bancroft, Neb.
Submitted photo

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Reporter Kristen Sindelar has loved agriculture her entire life, coming from a diversified farm with three generations working side-by-side in northeastern Nebraska. Reach her at Kristen.Sindelar@midwestmessenger.com.