The one-horse pony’s economic policies are not working for horse owners, or anybody else for that matter, America’s enemies excepted.
The price of a bale of alfalfa-grass mix was $36 yesterday, 20 bales minimum, putting the cost of feed at $180 per AUM.
The average horse would need about five bales per month.
The price was $19 per bale in July 2021.
Other items on the ticket:
- Layena Crumbles, 50-pound sack, $29 each
- Strategy Healthy Edge, 50-pound sack, $35 each
- Rice bran pellets, nonstabilized, 50-pound sack, $32 each
- Alfalfa pellets, 50-pound sack, $27 each
- Sales tax, $93
The drive-out price was $1,184. Two years ago, the total would have been around $550.
On public lands, forage sells for $1.35 per AUM, meaning the ranchers are paying less than a penny on the dollar to graze their livestock.
They are further subsidized by taxpayer-funded programs such as the wild horse and burro program, which keeps the pests in check, at least in theory.
The nonprofits have assumed a larger role in the process, poisoning the mares and jennies with restricted-use pesticides, and they want you to pay for that too.
RELATED: No Relief in Hay Prices
Western Horse Watchers Association 