The County interviews Brzozowski about hayfields
The County interviewed Richard Brzozowski, food system program administrator with University of Maine Cooperative Extension, for an article about the effects of dry summers on hayfields. Hay is one of the largest crops in Maine, according to Brzozowski, who oversees the Maine Hay Directory for buyers and sellers of hay. Challenges like new weed pressure and reduced production have resulted from dry summers, the article states. “We’ve had three relatively dry summers in a row statewide,” Brzozowski said. “Most of the grasses in hayfields are cool-season grasses. When we have a dry year, they tend to dry up.” The bedstraw weed thrives in dry conditions and can reduce the quality of forage, the article states. “Once the bedstraw is there, it’s going to stay there. Once you’ve got it, it’s how you control it,” Brzozowski said. Control methods include keeping soil pH above six, mowing fields before the weed goes to seed, and planting legume species like clover and alfalfa into the hay mixture to help combat the effects of dry weather, according to the article. Brzozowski also cautioned against scammers trying to take advantage of the dry summers by targeting buyers in the hay market. “There have been some scam attempts from out of state. Make sure you check before you buy,” he said.