Colorado—In the Oct. 5 report, compared to last report, trade activity and demand light. Corn silage harvest is in full swing, reducing trade activity on new hay. Buyers in the northern part of the state have reduced bid offers on alfalfa hay during silage harvest until they can assess their feed stockpiles for the rest of the year. Recent weather conditions have allowed growers to greatly improve the quality of hay put up for second and third cutting alfalfa. Growers are reporting an increase in acres of forage sorghums, triticale, forage wheats, and golden german millet to increase feed stockpiles this year. According to the NASS Colorado Crop Progress report for week ending Oct. 1, alfalfa hay third cutting is 87% complete; fourth cutting is 28% complete.
Missouri—In the Oct. 5 report, compared to last report, hay prices are steady and demand is moderate. Another week in which little has changed in the hay business. Even with some rain, there are still a few guys out baling some hay and still a fair amount of hay being moved around on the roads.
Nebraska—In the Oct. 5 report, compared to last report, hay sales sold steady. Demand was light to moderate. Many livestock owners are currently in the field with fall harvest and have put the thought of buying hay on the back burner. The hay market really acts like it could back up a few dollars especially in parts of the state that have had ample moisture this year. Many feedlots laid in a lot of tons of silage and this roughage source will take the place of some dry hay that usually gets added to the ration. There is also, tons of cane and millet hay available. There will be thousands of cornstalk bales put up if Mother Nature allows it. If not, then feedlots and backgrounding lots will have to look to the baled hay market for roughage source.
Oklahoma—In the Sept. 29 report, compared to the last report, hay is slow to steady. Very little movement across Oklahoma. The state did receive some rainfall throughout most of the state, but we still need some widespread rain as we head into our fall season. Next report will be released Oct. 13.
Texas—In the Oct. 6 report, compared to the last report, hay prices are mostly steady across the majority of the regions with quality and freight being the largest determinants on price. Buyer demand is good as range conditions continue to deteriorate. Next report will be released Oct. 20.
South Dakota—In the Oct. 5 report, compared to last report, alfalfa hay steady. Moderate demand from local hay buyers, best demand from out of state dairies in need of high testing alfalfa. Good demand for grass hay as calves will be arriving in feedyard pens and need high quality, long stemmed hay to get them coming to the bunk.
New Mexico—In the Oct. 6 report, compared to last report, alfalfa hay steady. Trade active, demand good. , The the state is 87% complete with fourth cutting, 15% with fifth cutting and 6th cutting at 1%. Some parts of the state have received scattered showers. According to New Mexico Crop Progress report as of Oct. 1, hay and roughage supplies were reported as 16% very short, 39% short, 42% adequate, and 3% surplus. Stock water supplies were reported as 14% very short, 31% short, 54% adequate, and 1% surplus. Conditions for both hay and roughage, and stock water worsened slightly from the previous week.
Wyoming—In the Oct. 5 report, compared to last report, all reported hay sales sold steady. Demand was light to moderate. The best demand has been on small square bales in the western area of the state. Some producers are starting on beat harvest and when that is completed, they will turn back to selling hay to local customers. Some producers have finished mowing fourth cutting alfalfa in the east and second or third mowed and getting ready to bale in the west. Some areas across the state received rain showers early in the week damping the mood and hay alike. Producers are hopeful the hay will dry and still keep a decent green color and RFV to the hay.
Montana—In the Oct. 6 report, compared to last report, hay sold generally steady. Hay sales were light this week as most producers are busy with harvest and many ranchers are busy gathering cattle off mountain pasture. Demand for hay remains light for local hay and mostly moderate for hay to ship out of the state. Rain or the forecast of rain continues to make putting up hay difficult. Some locations received up to an inch of rain this past week. Heavy supplies of rained on or mature hay remain on the market with more being produced as rainy conditions continue for some locations. Demand for straw is moderate. Heavy straw supplies continue to be seen.
