Hay demand picks up in some areas of Kansas

Compared to the last report, demand picked up a bit for the southwest and south-central regions and remained slow for the rest of the state, according to the Kansas Department of Agriculture-USDA Market News Service, March 5.

Grinding alfalfa prices remained mostly steady overall but did fall again in the southwest. Sellers are still looking to clean out their barns, while buyers are still in the driver’s seat. Farmers are busy in the fields applying fertilizer and working the soil, getting ready for planting season. Prices are based on averages and given on a per-ton basis, unless otherwise noted.

Southwest—Trade activity is slow to moderate. Dairy alfalfa prices are steady. Grinding alfalfa, large squares $5 lower, large rounds $20 lower. Ground and delivered alfalfa price $5 lower. Alfalfa: Dairy, $1.35-$1.45/point RFV. Fair/good grinding alfalfa, large rounds, $120-$130, large 3×4 and 4×4 squares, $150-$160. Ground and delivered locally to feed lots and dairies $205-$215. Sun-cured alfalfa pellets, 15% protein, $305-315, 17% protein, $310-$320. Bluestem grass hay, small squares, $8/bale, CRP large rounds, $75. Corn stalks, 3×4 squares, $100 delivered. Sudan, large 4×4 squares, $110-$115 delivered. For the week ending March 2, 5,397 tons of grinding alfalfa and 525 tons of dairy alfalfa was reported bought or sold.

South central—Trade activity is slow to moderate. Dairy alfalfa prices are steady. Grinding alfalfa and Ground and delivered alfalfa prices steady. Alfalfa pellet steady to $10 lower. Horse alfalfa, small squares, $13-$15/bale; Dairy $1.35-$1.45/point RFV. Good stock cow, $225-$235. Fair/good grinding alfalfa, large rounds, $160–$170 delivered, 3×4 and 4×4 squares, $165-$175 delivered. Alfalfa ground and delivered, $190-$200. Sun-cured alfalfa pellets, 15% protein, $290-$300, 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 March 2, 7,258 tons of grinding alfalfa and 1,075 tons of dairy alfalfa was reported bought or sold.

Southeast—Trade activity is slow. Dairy alfalfa price is steady. Bluestem and brome hay price steady. Horse or goat alfalfa, none reported. 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, $160-$170. Brome, small squares, $200-$205, large 3×4 and 4×4 squares, $180-$200. Corn stalks, large rounds, $55-$65. For the week ending March 2, 1,138 tons of grass hay was reported bought or sold.

Northwest—Trade activity is slow. Dairy alfalfa, grinding alfalfa prices are steady. Horse alfalfa, small squares, $13.25/bale. Dairy, Premium/Supreme $1.40-$1.50/point RFV. Good stock cow, $200-$230. Good alfalfa, 3×3 squares, $200, premium, 3×3 squares, $280. Fair/good grinding alfalfa, $180-$200. Sudan large rounds, $60-$70.

North central/northeast—Trade activity is slow. Dairy alfalfa, steady. Grinding alfalfa steady. Ground and delivered steady. Grass hay steady. Alfalfa: Dairy $1.40-$1.50/point RFV. Fair/good grinding alfalfa, large rounds, $145-$155, large 3×4 squares, $160-$170. Alfalfa ground and delivered, $200-$210, 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, $170-$180. Corn stalks:, $60-$70. Milo stalks, $75-$85. Soybean stalks, large rounds, $85-$95. Wheat straw, large rounds and large squares, $105-$115. For the week ending March 2, 163 tons of grinding alfalfa and 492 tons of dairy alfalfa was reported bought or sold.

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