LEXINGTON, Ky. —

As winter approaches, Kentucky horse owners are being urged to plan ahead to ensure they have enough hay to feed their animals.

The weather this year has created uncertainty in hay availability.

“Some areas have gotten plenty of rain, while others have been extremely dry,” said Bob Coleman, an equine extension associate professor with the University of Kentucky. “That means the hay crop is going to look different depending on where you’re buying it. To expect it to be the same as last year or years ago is not a good assumption. Where inventories are smaller, some people are keeping hay back to sell later, or they just don’t have as much to begin with.”

Variability like this can affect both the availability and quality of hay.

“People may find that their hay isn’t as g

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