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NW Arkansas farmer says forage levels good despite drought

A northwest Arkansas livestock producer says his forage levels held up through the winter.

Jared Phillips, who raises sheep in Washington County, tells Brownfield, “We were a little worried part of the year where we had a real bad drought here in Arkansas, but we came through okay.”  He says, “We had plenty of hay in the barn and we’re OK so far. So are a lot of my neighbors. We’re in pretty good shape.”

However, he says his pastures still need plenty of spring rains.

“We had some good rain, late fall and early winter, and then we had a couple of good snow events.”  He says, “We’re hoping we get a little bit of rain right now. We’re starting to get a little dry for this time of the spring, but there’s still water in the ground. And so, grass is still growing. So, we’ll just cross our fingers and pray.”

Phillips says pastures are already greening up, which likely means an early start to this year’s haying season.

AUDIO: Jared Phillips – Branch Mountain Farm