State-By-State Hay Summary
Colorado—In the Aug. 8 report, trade activity and demand light. Ask prices from growers remain mostly unchanged this week. Stable hay sold mostly steady. According to the NASS Colorado Crop Progress Report for week ending Aug. 4, alfalfa second cutting harvested is 53%, third cutting 2%. Stored feed supplies were reported as 3% very short, 6% short, 79% adequate, and 12% surplus.
Missouri—In the Aug. 8 report, compared to last report, the supply of hay is moderate to heavy and demand is light. Hay movement continues to be slow as supplies especially of grass hay is heavy. Still several guys out baling hay around the state. Hay prices are weak to lower on grass hay, mostly steady on alfalfa.
Nebraska—In the Aug. 8 report, compared to last report, bales of hay sold steady. Ground and delivered hay and alfalfa pellets also steady. Demand was light. Western half of the state is dry with pasture conditions drying up. But cattlemen don’t seem real concerned as there is plenty of feed sitting around the state. Some hay producers that had crops hailed out planted radishes and turnips for fall grazing on cows they take in. Alfalfa pellet trade is slow with only a spot load here and there being sold. Looks like a bumper crop of cane and millet in the making adding more pressure to the better types of hay being produced.
Oklahoma—In the Aug. 2 report, compared to the last report, the hay trade is at a standstill to slow demand. Due to an excessive supply of hay from 2023, the 2024 hay continues to be baled, along with cattle continuing to be sold. Next report will be released Aug. 16.
Texas—In the Aug. 9 report, compared to last report, hay prices are mostly steady across all regions. Hay trade is still pretty limited on poor to moderate demand. In the southern and eastern regions producers were cutting and baling hay. The majority of the state is experiencing hot and dry weather conditions with the exception of a few counties in the east. Pasture and range conditions were rated at 55 percent fair to good, but with limited moisture in the forecast they may continue to deteriorate over the next few weeks. Supplemental feeding has been minimal so far, but may pickup as the effects of the La Nina weather pattern take hold that may change. Next report will be released Aug. 23.
South Dakota—In the Aug. 9 report, compared to last report, demand and movement has been slow, producers are saying it has been quiet.
New Mexico—In the Aug. 9 report, compared to last report, hay is steady demand is good. According to New Mexico Crop Progress from NASS on Aug. 4, nearly all New Mexico producers saw adequate to abundant moisture last week. Alfalfa hay is in the third cutting with 50% complete and fourth cutting 25% complete. Good precipitation fell across most central and southwestern areas of New Mexico last week.
Wyoming—In the Aug. 8 report, compared to the last report, all reported hay sales sold steady on a thin test. Demand was light. Most producers are finishing up with second cutting of hay and should get a third cutting in most areas. Scattered rain showers across the state have stopped producers from baling hay and has shut down barley harvest in the west. Majority of the pastures at low elevations are dry and brown. One can tell where the water has been applied as those are the only green acres driving through the country.
Montana—In the Aug. 9 report, compared to last report, hay sold generally steady. New crop hay continues to see slow movement as most producers are seeing light to moderate demand. Rancher to rancher sales are continuing to make an impact on the market as many ranchers are opting to sell new crop hay while feeding old crop hay this winter. Most rancher to rancher sales are at or slightly under the price that major producers have hay priced. Export hay demand remains light as many exporters have ample hay supplies purchased from last year that have yet to ship and many have hay purchased that is not sold yet. Ample supplies remain on the market as heavy carryover continues to weigh on the market. Lower cow numbers and a very mild winter along with a sticker shock for producers from record high prices in 2022 to more historically normal prices in 2023 led many producers to hold on to hay in the hopes the market improved. As a result, producers continue to struggle to finish moving old crop hay and have new crop hay yet to move as well. Prices for better new crop feeder hay is starting to establish itself with most hay priced from $125-$145. Next report will be released Aug. 26.
