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'Hay aid' is on the way for Pike cattle farmers

Staff

Published Sunday, June 25, 2000

Features Editor

June 24, 2000 10 PM

For almost two weeks, Pike County cattle farmers have had to sit by and watch and wait as free hay has been delivered to surrounding areas by the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Industries but Monday morning, their time will come.

Tammy Powell, Pike County Extension System coordinator, said 106 bales of hay will be delivered to Brundidge Monday between the hours of 7 and 9 a.m.

The 21 cattle farmers who will receive the hay have been notified by the Extension System office.

Some of the hay that will be delivered to drought-stricken Pike County cattle farmers was purchased locally. Powell said she is hopeful that North Alabama will be able to supply much of the hay that will be made available in the coming weeks.

"We had 32 applications for the free hay offered through the Department of Agriculture and Industries and those who will receive the hay were selected based on a prorated percentage of what their needs are based on the requirements established by the department of agriculture."

Powell said the 21 farmers met all of the criteria.

More than 50 percent of their income is derived from farming and they have owned their herds for a year or more.

"And they are all completely out of hay and their needs are critical, " Powell said, adding that other farmers are nearing that point now.

Powell said producers who qualify to receive the hay but have not filled out an application should do so as soon as possible.

"The amount of hay we receive will be figured on a weekly basis. We hope to have more hay available next week and needs do change. The committee will meet again to determine whose needs are the greatest and we need updated information to make sure those who need the hay the most will get it."

Powell said as a farmer's situation changes he or she needs to make that information available.

"A farmer might not need hay this week but will be completely out by next week," she said. "That information needs to be provided to us through an application."

Applications are available at the Pike County Extension System Office on South Three Notch Street in Troy. For more information about the free hay program, call the Extension System at 566-0985.

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