Kansas hay demand remains light

Compared to the last report, demand remains light, and grinding alfalfa prices continue to fall, according to the Kansas Department of Agricutlure-USDA Market News Service, Feb. 20.

There are lots of folks still wanting to sell grinding alfalfa, but buyers are few and far between. Producers report that they expect a lot of low-quality alfalfa and sudan to be carried over. Most hay being moved is on previously contracted hay. Prices are based on averages and given on a per-ton basis, unless otherwise noted.

Southwest—Trade activity is slow. Dairy alfalfa and ground and delivered alfalfa prices are steady. Grinding alfalfa mostly steady, with rounds $10-$15 lower. Alfalfa: Dairy, $1.35-$1.45/point RFV. Fair/good grinding alfalfa, large rounds $160-$170, large 3×4 and 4×4 squares, $175-$185. Ground and delivered locally to feed lots and dairies, $210-$220. Sun-cured alfalfa pellets, 15% protein, $305-315, 17% protein, $310-$320. Bluestem grass hay, small squares, $8/bale, bluestem CRP, large rounds, $75/ton. Corn stalks, 3×4 squares, $100 delivered. Sudan, large 4×4 squares, $110-$115 delivered. For the week ending Feb. 17, 4,119 tons of grinding alfalfa and 225 tons of dairy alfalfa was reported bought or sold.

South central—Trade activity is slow. Alfalfa pellet, and dairy alfalfa prices are steady. Grinding alfalfa steady to $10 lower. Ground and delivered alfalfa prices $20 lower. Horse alfalfa, small squares, $13/bale; Dairy $1.35-$1.45/point RFV. Good stock cow, $225-$235. Fair/good grinding alfalfa, large rounds, $165–$175 delivered, 3×4 and 4×4 squares, $170-$180 delivered. Alfalfa ground and delivered, $190-$200. Sun-cured alfalfa pellets, 15% protein, $300-$310, 17% protein, $305-$315, dehydrated 17% protein, $400-$405. Bluestem grass hay, small squares, $200, large rounds, $100-$120. Sudan, large rounds, $70-$80. For the week ending Feb. 17, 6,185.5 tons of grinding alfalfa and 196 tons of dairy alfalfa was reported bought or sold.

Southeast—Trade activity is slow. Dairy alfalfa price is steady, grass hay price steady. Dairy $1.35-$1.45/point RFV. Good, stock cow, $200-$220. Bluestem grass hay, small squares, $200-$205, large rounds, $140-$150, large 3×4 and 4×4 squares, $175-$185. Brome, small squares, $200-$205, large 3×4 and 4×4 squares, $180-$200. Corn stalks, large rounds, $60-$70. For the week ending Feb. 17, 1,384 tons of grass hay was reported bought or sold.

Northwest—Trade activity is slow. Dairy alfalfa, grinding alfalfa prices are steady. Alfalfa: horse, small squares, $12/bale. Dairy, Premium/Supreme $1.40-$1.50/point RFV. Stock cow, good, $200-$230. Good alfalfa, 3×3 squares, $200, premium, 3×3 squares, $300. Fair/good grinding alfalfa, $180-$200.

North central/northeast—Trade activity is slow. Dairy alfalfa, steady. Grinding alfalfa $10 lower. Ground and delivered $30 lower. Grass hay, $5 to $10 lower. Alfalfa: Dairy $1.40-$1.50/point RFV; Fair/good, grinding alfalfa, large rounds, $145-$155, large 3×4 squares, $185-$195. Alfalfa ground and delivered, $210-$220, alfalfa/sudan mix ground and delivered, $195-$205. Bluestem grass hay, small squares, $7-$8/bale, large rounds, $135-$145, large  3×4 and 4×4 squares, $175-$185. Brome, large rounds, $160-$170, large 3×4 and 4×4 squares, $180-$190. Corn stalks, $60-$70. Milo stalks, $75-$85. For the week ending Feb. 17, 311 tons of grinding alfalfa and 342 tons of dairy alfalfa was reported bought or sold.

Source: Kansas Department of Agriculture-USDA Market News Service, Manhattan, Kansas.