OFI 1116: One Step Forward And Two Steps Back

Isn't it the nature of farming that just when you think you are getting ahead, you aren't really getting anywhere at all?  Or, maybe you are losing ground?  This spring has been really dry for us in Southwestern Idaho, but you wouldn't think that would matter much because we had a good snow year and have water for irrigation.  However, lot's of people are having more trouble with weeds than normal, and it is impacting farming.  It is specifically impacting me right now as the entire hay crop I was counting on for this season is looking really bad, and I got told that the hay that was pledged to me was no longer going to be available.

In this farm update I'll discuss my hay problems and:

• Losing a beef customer due to me feeding GMO hay
• Increasing hay prices putting a crunch on my bottom line
• Thistle after thistle that I have to spot treat in my pasture
• Making some progress beating back fox tails
• Buying four heifer to get ahead, but having to cull three mother cows