WINNIPEG, Manitoba – Drought conditions in the Canadian province of Manitoba has weighed on production of hay and forage, and cattle producers are feeling the pinch.

Manitoba Beef Producers (MBP) and Keystone Agricultural Producers (KAP) urged farmers across Manitoba to list available hay, straw and alternative feeds for use. The Canadian Drought Monitor report as of July 31 stated that moderate drought conditions remained in small regions of Manitoba and Saskatchewan. “Hay yields have been reported to be below normal and pasture quality is poor as a result of the severe and extreme drought conditions earlier in the growing season,” according to the report.

“Many beef producers have been hard hit by back-to-back dry conditions that have led to diminished pasture and forage yields and depleted their hay and straw reserves,” said Tom Teichroeb, MBP president. “Faced with these conditions, they are looking to source both traditional and alternative sources of feed and bedding. We are encouraging producers with these kinds of resources available to consider listing them for sale.”

To help ranchers, KAP and MBP developed a fact sheet of several options farmers have for buying and selling feed. Producers are encouraged to use all means available to list feed for purchase.

“Given dry conditions reported across much of the province, we feel that it is important to ensure producers know what their options are when it comes to both buying and selling available hay and straw,” KAP President Bill Campbell said. “As a grain farmer and a beef producer, I must utilize every option available to ensure the long-term viability of my operation.”