Florida is called the "Sunshine State" for a reason, but a lack of rain and hotter than usual summer heat is making it tough for hay producers in our area to make a living.
Rainfall has cast a dark cloud over North Central Florida's hay fields.
In Alachua County, hay production is behind schedule, which means the price for the crop will continue to rise heading into Florida's dry fall season.
Cattle ranchers could then face a double whammy, hay production will be lower and prices higher and the need to purchase hay will also increase because feeding grasses will start to dry out.
Farmer Guy Hale has been growing hay in the area for over two decades and says this is one of the worst season's he has seen.
Hale says even if we get some late season rainfall, it could be too late for it to make a difference for this year's hay crop.
Alachua County produces the third most hay in the entire state and accounts for millions of dollars of the area's agriculture economy.
For more information on a list of growers in our area visit Alachua County Extension Office.