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Abstract
The local and regional hay and livestock industries have experienced considerable
growth over the past few years generating multiple economic benefits and multiplier
effects throughout Washington’s economy. The total value of production for livestock
products ($1.35 billion) and hay ($414 million) collectively totals over $1.76 billion.
Growth in these agricultural and natural resource industries and continued success
depends upon access to markets and an efficient multimodal transportation system to
bridge production supply sources with destination demand markets. The value of hay
and livestock products to regional producers and the state’s economy is substantially
diminished without an efficient transportation system.
This paper investigates those transportation characteristics and requirements necessary
for efficient movement of hay and livestock products to domestic and international
markets. This is accomplished through the evaluation and analysis of data collected and
compiled from a variety of sources, including industry level surveys to hay and livestock
producers, processors and brokers.
Detailed analysis regarding statewide geographic concentration and intensity of hay and
livestock production is provided. In addition, the unique seasonality of shipments from
production supply locations to intermediate processing locations is provided, by product
form and transportation mode choice. Specific hay and livestock processing facilities are
geographically identified in addition to the degree of product transformation that occurs
between production and consumption. Destination demand markets are identified by
product type and by season, revealing inherent transportation efficiencies associated
with different product forms and the demand opportunities to international markets. This
is especially noticeable for dense cubed-hay products utilizing container transport to
Asia. Finally, key freight corridors and highways supporting hay and livestock shipments
are geographically identified by level of intensity and type of movement.
Key findings and implications were summarized, highlighting both challenges and
opportunities. State transporation officials and policy makers will be better equipped to
prioritize investment decisions with a more thorough understanding of the relationship
between improvements in transportation efficiency and impact on the hay and livesock
industry in Washington.