In general, the resurgence of interest in hay crops spells the possibility for increased income--especially for high-quality alfalfa hay that is packaged correctly.
The first step for Illinois producers is to produce enough quality hay to fulfill needs within the state, and the next step is to explore the potential for out-of-state sales. If quality and quantity of supply can be maintained, there are potential markets in the southeastern United States.
With concerted effort, Midwest producers may be able to catch up with the production capabilities of hay producers in the West. In the process, by shifting erosive acres into forage crops, they may be able to meet the state goal of bringing all Illinois soils within "T value" by the year 2000. When erosion remains within "T"--the soil-loss tolerance level--the soil's productivity is being preserved.
More hay by 2000 makes "T by 2000" possible.