We begin with a look at some of the damage associated with hurricane Irene. Of course, damage reports are still coming in, but we know two dairy operations near Albany, N.Y. were overwhelmed by flood water.

 

Also, a natural disaster of another sort is wrecking havoc coast to coast. Historic drought in the southern plains is pushing hay prices to record or near record levels. Weather problems, competition from other high priced crops and low stocks are all rolling their way into this hay crisis.

 

In Texas, the state's ag commissioner is reaching out to other states looking for hay. The state updated its "hay hotline" to help connect ranchers with hay producers across the nation. 

 

Meanwhile, in North Dakota, it's the opposite problem. Too much flooding made it impossible to get a hay crop. Some of the best hay-land in the state is under water.

 

So how good are your dairy cattle? The competition to find out says it’s last call. Dairy cattle exhibitors planning to compete at the World Dairy Expo need to get those entry forms in by Sept. 1.

 

Read more Dairy Today news.

 

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