Demand, trade slow on limited test in Kansas

Rain in late May and early June delayed alfalfa harvest for many producers in southwest Kansas. The first cutting like pictured in this field will likely go for grinding hay due to the excess moisture. (Journal photo by Kylene Scott.)

Demand is low and trade activity is slow on a limited test, according to the Kansas Department of Agriculture-USDA Market News Service, May 28.

Few people are moving hay this week as producers continue planting, swathing, and spraying across the state. Still no signs of new crop pricing, as folks try to clear their barns of last season’s hay. Prices are based on averages and given on a per-ton basis, unless otherwise noted.

Southwest—Demand low. Trade activity is slow to moderate. Dairy alfalfa prices are steady. Grinding alfalfa price steady, ground and delivered alfalfa price steady. Alfalfa: Dairy, $1.35-$1.45/point RFV. Fair/good, old crop grinding alfalfa, large rounds, $105-$115, large 3×4 and 4×4 squares, $105-$120. Ground and delivered locally to feed lots and dairies, $160-$170. Teff, small squares, $9-$10/bale. CRP grass hay, large rounds, $75-$80/bale. For the week ending May 25, 10,572 tons of grinding alfalfa and no dairy alfalfa was reported bought or sold.

South central—Demand low. Trade activity is slow. Dairy alfalfa prices steady. Grinding alfalfa steady, alfalfa pellet price steady. Ground and delivered steady. Alfalfa: Dairy $1.30-$1.40/point RFV. Good stock cow, $190-$200. Fair/good old crop grinding alfalfa, large rounds, $135–$140 delivered, 3×4 and 4×4 squares, $135-$145 delivered. Alfalfa ground and delivered, $185-$195. Sun-cured alfalfa pellets, 15% protein, $270-$280, 17% protein, $280-$285, dehydrated 17% protein, $385-$400. Bluestem grass hay, large rounds and large squares, $125-$130. For the week ending May 25, 4,547.5 tons of grinding alfalfa and 1,300 tons of dairy alfalfa was reported bought or sold.

Southeast—Demand low. Trade activity is slow. Dairy alfalfa price is steady, Bluestem, brome hay price steady. Dairy $1.35-$1.45/point RFV. Bluestem grass hay, small squares, $200-$205, large rounds, $130-$140, large 3×4 and 4×4 squares, $150-$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 May 25, 1,324.5 tons of grass hay was reported bought or sold.

Northwest—Demand low. Trade activity is slow. Dairy alfalfa, grinding alfalfa prices are steady. Horse alfalfa, small squares, $13.25/bale. Dairy, Premium/Supreme $1.35-$1.45/point RFV. Good alfalfa, 3×3 squares, $180, premium, 3×3 squares, $225. Fair/good grinding alfalfa, $100. Sudan large rounds, $60-$70.

North central/northeast—Demand low. Trade activity is slow. Dairy alfalfa steady, grinding alfalfa steady, ground and delivered steady, and grass hay steady to $5 higher. Alfalfa: Dairy $1.30-$1.40/point RFV. Premium horse hay, small squares, $13/bale. Fair/good, grinding alfalfa, large rounds, $140-$160, large 3×4 squares, $165-$175. Alfalfa ground and delivered, $175-$185. Bluestem grass hay, small squares, $8-$9/bale, large rounds, $80-$90/bale, large 3×4 and 4×4 squares, $130-$140/ton. Brome, small squares, $10-$14/bale, large rounds, $95-$100/bale. Wheat straw, large squares, $100-$110. For the week ending May 25, 415 tons of grinding alfalfa and 366 tons of dairy alfalfa was reported bought or sold.

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