Producers in some areas of the province could be seeing a shortage of hay this fall.

John McGregor, extension support person for Manitoba Forage and Grassland Association, says there is a slight surplus of forage in the central and eastern parts of Manitoba. First cuts were average, second cuts were in good condition, and in southeastern and possibly central areas, a third cut is on the way.

However, he says things look less favourable in the southwest and Interlake.

"Those areas were hit with a very cool spring," he says. "They had dry conditions to begin with, and now they've had a lot of rain. So the first cut of hay that came off there was not in all that great of condition, and although now they're starting to get toward the second cut, which at this time we don't know how good it's going to be, but generally speaking, we're going to see a shortage of hay in that area, similar to what we're also seeing in Saskatchewan and Alberta."

McGregor says now is the time to be looking for hay for the producers who think they might see a shortage.