Back in the 70’s the D&RGW shipped hay to farmers and cow people in the SE. I was wondering if anyone knew any more about this. The Unitah historical society has a D&RGW banner stating “another load of hay for the SE”. Thanks if you have any info we know they shipped it but don’t know where it went and how many cars. Ron
There were Hay shipments in box cars from around here in Ottawa, and other places in Eastern Canada, about 5-10 years ago. It was due to a drought out in Western Canada. Both the CN, and CP , along with local short lines either donated the cars, and some of the cost of the shipping, or a least helped in some way.
The hay its self was donated by the farmers.
It is baled. It ain’t just tossed in the cars loose. Remember a pic in one of my books, but I don’t remember which book. 
Don’t specifically remember trains, but the truck traffic with hay was both in bailed and rolled form. I remember the rolls were from 1500 - 2500 pounds each.
Bob C.
http://articles.latimes.com/1986-07-30/news/mn-18783_1_hay-train
This one came later, but happened to go to the SE again…