Hay Hotlines Connect Livestock Feed Buyers, Sellers, and Truck Drivers Amidst Drought

July 16, 2021

Drought is creating forage shortages throughout the West this year, which means producers will have to find alternative sources of feed for their livestock.

North Dakota State University and the North Dakota Department of Agriculture recently released a statement announcing a tool to help connect those who need feed with those who have it.

Farmers and ranchers who have feedstuffs such as hay or corn for sale can list it on NDSU’s FeedList website, which is designed to connect feed sellers and buyers. Producers also may list pasture they have for rent. 

Although a site-specific map is not available, the Montana Department of Agriculture also has a tool where hay and pasture listings can be accessed. This online portal is extremely similar to NDSU’s, and can be found at agr.mt.gov/hay-hotline.  

Additionally, the Colorado, Nebraska, and New Mexico State Departments of Agriculture have resources called the “Hay Hotline,” and Colorado also has a “Market Maker Program” where listings can be viewed online.  

The Idaho Department of Agriculture has expressed interest in working with partners on a similar resource, as the state has been facing challenges with drought and wildfire pressures. No Hay Hotline or directory exists, but efforts are being made in order to assist producers in the best way possible.

The FeedList, at https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/feedlist, shows what each seller has for sale, how the feed is stored (large round bales, small bales, etc.) and the seller’s contact information. Prospective buyers can select what they want to buy and contact the sellers. Using the FeedList is free of charge.

These sites also may be used to donate or receive donations.

All entries will be deleted automatically after 90 days. Buyers and sellers who no longer need the FeedList’s services before that should contact the Feedlist coordinator, Elizabeth Cronin, at elizabeth.cronin@ndsu.edu to have the entry removed.

North Dakota Agriculture Commissioner Doug Goehring has reactivated the Hay Hotline and interactive map. The Hay Hotline and interactive map list those who need hay, those with hay or feed to sell, those with pasture or hay land to rent, those with Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) land for grazing and haying once it becomes available, and those available to move hay. The map is available at https://www.nd.gov/ndda. Users may click on the icons to retrieve information about available hay, pasture, hay land and CRP land in their area.

To be listed on the map, users should contact the Hay Hotline by calling 701-425-8454 weekdays from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Callers may leave a message on evenings and weekends. The service is free of charge. Individuals who contact the hotline are asked to provide their name, contact information and what they need or can provide.

For more information about managing cattle in a drought, producers should contact their county office of extension or their state’s Department of Agriculture.

Sources: NDSU and ND, CO, ID, MT, NE, NM State Departments of Agriculture