State-By-State Hay Summary
Colorado—In the Sept. 19 report, trade activity moderate on light demand. Stable hay sold steady to $2 lower per bale. According to the NASS Colorado Crop Progress Report for week ending Sept. 8, alfalfa third cutting is 69%, fourth cutting 15%. Stored feed supplies were reported as 1% very short, 5% short, 75% adequate, and 19% surplus. Corn harvested for silage is 50%.
Missouri—In the Sept. 19 report, hay prices were steady. The supply of hay is moderate to heavy, and demand is light. Dry conditions continue to worsen for most of the state, as of the latest report near 83 percent of the state is listed as abnormally to severely dry. The dry weather is great for grain harvest that is in full swing but for the livestock producers they would sure like to see some fall pasture growth before frost arrives. Although there is some feeding going on hay movement remains fairly slow as every was lucky enough to bale a lot of hay earlier this year and needs are light at this time. There is a lot of hay for sale currently so the few that are in the market shouldn’t have a very difficult time finding hay at this time.
Nebraska—In the Sept. 19 report, compared to last report, most bales of alfalfa and grass hay sold steady. Dehydrated and sun-cured alfalfa pellets steady. Ground and delivered hay in the Platte Valley steady to $5 lower and in the western side of the state sold $10 lower. Overall, demand is light for old crop and new crop hay alike but usually is this time of year. Feedlots and farmers are busy with silage and wet corn harvest. Alfalfa producers are finishing up on fourth cutting in the east with other areas are on third cutting and some may take a fourth cutting if Mother Nature allows it. Very spotty rain showers this week with some decent predictions for rain this weekend.
Oklahoma—In the Sept. 13 report, compared to the last report, hay trade is at a standstill. Some prices of hay have dropped but most are staying steady. Drought is settling back into Oklahoma. Next report will be released Sept. 27.
Texas—In the Sept. 20 report, compared to last report, hay prices are weak across all regions, with up to $10 lower in the north, south, and Panhandle. Hay movement and demand remain limited. Good rains have fallen in the north and east and there is a lot of hay on the market in those regions. Early rains in the south delayed first cutting in there, which has pushed back second cutting and some third across the region. Winter wheat has mostly been planted in the Panhandle, but more rain is needed to help the emerging crop. Next report will be released Oct. 4.
South Dakota—In the Sept. 20 report, compared to last report, another week of low demand and minimal hay and straw sales, According to the U.S. Drought Monitor website, South Dakota is still faced with 60% of the state in drought conditions.
New Mexico—In the Sept. 20 report, compared to last week, hay is steady demand is light with not much movement. According to the NASS, New Mexico Crop Progress report on Sept. 15, alfalfa hay is in the fourth cutting with 88% complete, fifth cutting 50% complete. Hay and roughage supplies were reported as 21 percent very short, 41 percent short, 37 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus, compared with 18 percent very short, 33 percent short, and 49 percent adequate last week.
Wyoming—In the Sept. 19 report, compared to the last report, all reported forages sold steady on a thin test. Demand was light. Best demand is for grass hay which is in tight supply and for small squares getting shipped back to the racehorse industry in the eastern half of the USA. Overall, large squares are rather stagnated. However, some feedlots have decided to contract hay that will be delivered until new crop in 2025.
Montana—In the Sept. 20 report, compared to last report, hay sold mostly steady. New crop hay continues to see slow movement. Demand for higher quality hay is seeing moderate demand especially from out of state buyers. A good portion of the hay sold this week into Wyoming where buyers report dry conditions and good demand from feedlots. Ranchers are starting to market their calves and some increased demand is being seen. Demand for grass hay is moderate as many buyers are looking for this class to wean calves on. A few old crop hay sales continue to show up and most of this class of hay is moving at steady money.
