This picture of tall hay comes from Waukesha County, Wisconsin. Many farmers across the U.S. have already, or are soon about to cut and bale their first cut of hay for the season. Once hay has grown to a length that a farmer feels is appropriate to cut at, the hay will be cut and left out in the fields to dry before being baled and taken off the field. Since this process spans over multiple days, farmers pay close attention to weather reports for precipitation. The hay around Wisconsin looks very good since recent rains have been above normal in the southern region of the state.

As a crop, hay is very valuable and popular in the United States. Hay serves a variety of uses including animal feed, and bedding. Hay is a $14.9 billion market in the U.S., according to the USDA, and over 60 million acres of hay were harvested in the U.S. in 2009.

Remember, we are always looking for more agricultural pictures from anywhere in the world. Submit pictures to farmlandforecast@colvin-co.com.