Loudoun County is the largest hay producing county in Virginia with over 54,000 acres in production. Loudoun also produces more non-alfalfa hay than any other county in Virginia with 51,000 acres. The county’s large livestock and horse population consume the higher quality hays, while construction and landscaping utilize the poorer quality hay. Hay is the third largest agriculture industry in the County with annual production valued at over 7 million dollars.
With declining acres of small grains in the County, straw production is also declining. However, demand for straw continues to increase. High quality straw is used in the horse industry with the poorer quality straw being used for construction purposes.
A new Loudoun Hay Growers Association is being formed to assist growers with marketing, networking, and education. For more information contact Gary W. Hornbaker or Corey Childs.
The Loudoun Cooperative Extension office offers a “Loudoun Hay Buyers Guide” at www.loudoun.gov/extension . The guide lists producers with hay for sale, along with a description of the hay, and any special comments.
