The USDA is projecting a year to year decline in hay production because of a decrease in planted area and average yield. Production of alfalfa and alfalfa mixtures is pegged at 47.813 million tons, 5.254 million under last year, with an average yield of 2.97 tons per acre, compared to 3.27 a year ago. Harvested area for alfalfa and mixtures is estimated at 16.123 million acres, compared to 16.23 million in last year. Production for all other types of hay is seen at 70.927 million tons, 2.818 million less than in 2020, with an average yield of 2 tons per acre, compared to 2.05 the year before.

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