Hay Theft Spiking in Northern Colorado

Skyrocketing hay prices have prompted a similar spike in hay thefts in northern Colorado.

The Greeley Tribune reports that hay thefts in Weld County more than doubled from 2011 to 2012, seven cases to 15. The Weld County sheriff’s office says it’s possible more hay thefts haven’t been reported.

Drought and tight feed supplies have boosted hay prices and hay thefts nationwide.

High-quality alfalfa in northeast Colorado is selling for $250 or more per ton, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That’s about double what it was going for in winter 2011, before prices started increasing in response to the Texas drought.

So far, no arrests have been made in the Weld hay thefts.