Fueling the Livestock Industry
As a leading dairy and cattle state, Idaho produces enormous quantities of alfalfa and hay for livestock feed and export.
- Types: Alfalfa, grass hay, mixed hay, timothy hay.
- Markets: Primarily Idaho dairy and cattle operations. Growing Pacific Rim and Middle East exports.
- Cuttings: Irrigated fields typically produce three to four cuttings per season.
- Key Challenges: Water costs, alfalfa weevil, hay market price swings, competition for irrigated acres with higher-value crops.