State-By-State Hay Summary
Colorado—In the March 19 report, trade activity and demand light. Prices mostly unchanged on all hay types. Dairies in northeast Colorado continue setting corn silage offers to local farmers at 8.5 times the December corn board with the floor price ranging $35-$40/ton at 30%-35% dry matter. Alfalfa standing offers in northeast Colorado this week ranged from $100 standing down to $110 standing on 90% dry matter.
Missouri—In the March 20 report, compared to last report, hay prices are mostly steady. The supply of hay is moderate, and demand is light to moderate. Spring officially arrived this week even it if didn’t feel much like it outside. A fair amount of green is showing across pastures now and many of last years’ crop fields that haven’t seen any equipment are covered in shades of purple as henbit is in bloom. A bit of fertilizer has been spread but weather has put that and most field work on hold for the time being.
Nebraska—In the March 20 report, compared to last report, bales of alfalfa and grass hay sold steady. Ground and delivered hay steady to $5 lower. Dehydrated alfalfa pellets steady. Buyer inquires picked up this week in several areas of the state, especially from cow-calf producers. The overall dryness is in the back of many minds and some feel like the price of hay is relatively cheap and they may start buying some hay to stockpile. Many areas of grass land did not receive any moisture in the fast pace, windy last day of winter snowstorm. Little over a week away from April, hopefully spring rains will come to green up pastures and to aid in the growth of grasses and alfalfa for production.
Oklahoma—In the March 14 report, compared to the last report, demand and prices for hay are steady. Drought has allowed the trade to increase. It has also increased to try and keep the winter weight on animals as we head into spring. In the 10-day forecast no moisture is in sight. Hay in Oklahoma remains highly available, there is still a lot of holdovers and barns full of hay. Next report will be released March 28.
Texas—In the March 21 report, compared to last report, hay prices are mostly steady across all regions. Portions of the west and south prices have softened on lower quality hay as producers are trying to make room in their barns for new crop in a couple months. However, in droughted out areas in the south, west, north, and Panhandle prices have firmed up as there is a tightening supply on higher quality hays. Next report will be released April 4.
South Dakota—In the March 21 report, compared to last report, movement of hay has been steady.
New Mexico—As of the Nov. 22, 2024 report, the hay season was complete. No more reports will be issued until May 2025.
Wyoming—In the March 20 report, compared to the last report, movement is about the same since the last report, producers are saying they are seeing an uptick in demand this week and are hoping that it continues to trend up. Most hay that is moving is moving in small loads, but producers are saying they are seeing more hay on the road and less hay stacks this past week throughout the entire state. High quality horse hay that’s in two string bales seems to be moving more this past week. There hasn’t been a lot of dairy hay move this winter and some producers are saying they still have some high testing hay to sell. According to the Wyoming Crop Progress Report, as of February 2025, hay and roughage supplies were rated at 73% adequate in the state. Pasture and range is 29% good condition and 41% fair condition, all livestock is 73% good condition.
Montana—In the March 21 report, hay sold fully steady. Hay sales continue to see steady movement with some volume sales seen this week. Supplies remain large and producers still have large quantities of hay to move. Central Montana supplies remain large but producers are working to sell through two years of supplies. Some sales of hay are being purchased as insurance in case it turns off dry this summer. Ranchers have been reluctant to buy even at reduced prices due to large personal supplies on hand. With lighter cow numbers, a mild start to winter, and heavy supplies of rained on feeder hay available, many ranchers have a large supply of personal hay on hand. However, lower asking prices have spurred some demand as produces are asking under production cost for buyers willing to purchase large quantities of hay. Market activity was mostly active again this week.
