Georgia drought expands to 146 counties, driving up hay costs and raising food price concerns
Reported by CBS News · April 30 at 8:55 PM · Summary by Hoofdeck
Georgia's drought has led the Department of Agriculture to designate 146 counties as natural disaster areas, after adding 20 more. In Cherokee County, pastures are struggling to recover even after recent rain, pushing livestock owners toward harder-to-find and pricier hay.
Background
Drought designations let farmers access federal and state assistance programs, but they do not directly lower feed costs. When pasture fails, horse and livestock owners typically turn to stored hay, which tends to rise in price as supply tightens across a region.
Why it matters
Hay that is scarce or expensive can strain a horse's budget and force changes to feeding and turnout plans.
What you can do
Ask your hay supplier about current stock and pricing, and consider buying forage early if you have storage space. Talk with your vet before changing a horse's diet, especially when switching hay types.
Written by Hoofdeck from the report by CBS News. Background is general information, not advice about your horse; if you are worried, call your vet.