Price Increases in the Equine Industry Due to Drought

Due to the ongoing drought, the past year was an exceptionally bad year for the entire agricultural sector. According to the KMI, this drought was the most severe since 1976.

The yield of grains, straw, and corn was significantly affected by the drought. In fact, it fell by 35%. The grass yield fell even more, by 50%.

Major impact

The impact on the horse industry is significant. The available forage has been reduced by half. In addition, there has been a decline in straw yields due to the drop in grain production. As a result, supplies are dwindling, and horse owners must source straw from places such as southern France, Italy, or Spain. This entails enormous transportation costs.

Grains are essential for horse feed. As the price of these grains continues to rise, the price of horse feed is rising as well. Compared to the same period last year, the cost of wheat, corn, oats, etc., has increased by 15%.

The entire equine industry

The higher costs for (professional) horse owners are affecting the entire equine industry. For example, boarding stables are raising their rates.

Source: Press Release