Mockridge exports his hay to Japan and said he got a better price this year than last. Many farmers who export in the Basin are doing better this year because more exporters are looking to the area for their needs. Wet weather reduced the quality of the first and second cuttings of hay in Washington, sending exporters in that market to the south, Mockridge said. 

    Hay is also in high demand as feed for horses. Hay that is a combination of orchard grass and alfalfa is selling well, especially that of high quality, he said.
    The only problem Mockridge said he’d encountered was with the weather. A lack of dew in the mornings forced him to change his cutting time from nights to early mornings.