“This is the latest information available, but some details may change due to weather and other unforeseen circumstances,” Woods said. “At this time, it is not known which sites will receive the first shipment of hay. Therefore, you should call the Hay Alert phone number,” 1-866-506-6222, for the latest information.

The closest of the six pick-up sites for Person County farmers, said Woods, will be the Tobacco Research Station in Oxford.

Hay will be distributed on a first come first served basis. There will be no reservations or application process, Woods said. Those who take advantage of this program, will not be eligible for any other hay relief programs that are currently in place to help with transportation costs. Hay is available in large square bales measuring 3x3x8, is cow quality and weighs approximately 750 pounds or small square bales weighing about 45-55 pounds and is horse quality, she said. The hay is 70 percent Timothy with Brome, Alfalfa and Orchardgrass mixed in.

The hay is from Canada and has been inspected, said Woods.

Hay will be limited to four large square bales or 20 small square bales per day per farm. Hay will be sold as is, no exceptions. Payment may be with a check or certified check.

Also, said Woods, “you must show a Farm Premise ID number when purchasing this hay. To receive a Farm Premise ID number, please call 919-715-2951. Advise them you need an ID number for the hay and they will expedite the process.”

More information and the latest details can be found at www.ncagr.com/HayAlert or by calling the Hay Alert number Woods said. Also, individuals who need hay can call the Research Stations for hours of operation. Those in need of large amounts of hay, should call the Hay Alert number for direct sources.

Research stations are:

• Mountain Research Station, 265 Test Farm Road, Waynesville; 828-456-3943 or 828-452-7200

• Upper Mountain Research Station, 8004 N.C. Highway 88 East, Laurel Springs; 336-982-2501

• Piedmont Research Station, 8350 Sherrills Ford Road, Salisbury; 704-278-2624

• Piedmont Triad Farmers Market, 2914 Sandy Ridge Road, Colfax;

• Caswell Research Farm, 2415 W. Vernon Ave., Kinston; 252-208-3361

• Oxford Tobacco Research Station, 300 Providence Road, Oxford. 919-693-2483