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Many Utah horse owners are facing tough times with high hay and feed prices in this sluggish economy.
Terry Menlove, who owns four horses and works for the Utah Department of Agriculture and Food, says feed and boarding costs for horses have doubled in a year.
"A bale of hay weighing approximately 60 pounds has increased in price from maybe $5 a bale to $10 a bale," he explained.
He says more cattle and dairy operations now are competing for hay. He also said, "Many of the hay fields have now converted over to corn fields for methanol production."
He says veterinary costs are increasing, as well, and it's getting harder to sell horses.
The Associated Press recently reported the cost of caring for a horse is at least $3,000 to $4,000 annually in many areas of the United States.
E-mail: tcallan@ksl.com
