Farmers and ranchers may be paying premium hay prices this fall because of drought conditions in some areas of southwest Missouri.

Some local ranchers have recently sold round bales between $65-$80 .  Square bales, which more horse owners prefer, range in prices between $6-$9 dollars for grass hay. You can expect to pay more for selective grasses such as alfalfa.

Due to the hardship of more expensive feed and hay- many farmers/ranchers will be selling off their livestock rather than trying to feed them during the winter months. This action could cause beef prices to rise this spring at the supermarket.