State-By-State Hay Summary
Colorado—In the April 10 report, compared to last report, trade activity and demand light. Prices mostly unchanged on all hay types. Feedlots don’t have new crop hay pricing available currently. Offers from the dairy are at $1.00/point delivered.
Missouri—In the April 10 report, compared to last report, hay demand is light as feeding season draws to an end and the supply of hay is moderate. Hay prices are steady to weak. Many producers that were in the direct line of last week’s storms once again spent a fair amount of time this week cleaning up, fixing fences and water gaps. Those in areas that didn’t receive extreme amounts are slowly finding some spots that they can get over and returning to field work along with spreading fertilizer on pastures and hay fields if they hadn’t gotten it done earlier.
Nebraska—In the April 10 report, compared to last week, grass, alfalfa hay, along with ground and delivered products and dehydrated pellets sold steady. Demand was light to moderate. Once again, calls this week, still a lot of old crop hay in across the state. Some producers still have some 2023 hay at their piles. Some producers are tearing up some pivots of alfalfa and will move to a grain product. Like a previous report stated, as producers we can sell grain any day of the week to an elevator, feedlot or ethanol plant for cash flow. Can’t do that on bales of hay, someone must demand it to sell the product. Many producers are banking on a drought to move the next growing season hay and hopefully clean up the previous years too. Main consumer of hay products is the bovine. If the bovine numbers continue to diminish there may be a large carry over of 2025 hay. Too early to call, but time will tell.
Oklahoma—In the April 11 report, compared to last report, prices remain steady, and demand is slow to steady. The movement on the report is preparation for a dry spring and summer. The first alfalfa cutting is close to being cut and bailed for the beginning of the new hay season. Most of Oklahoma remains highly available on hay supply, there are still a lot of holdovers and barns full of hay. Fortunately, Oklahoma did receive much-needed rains across the state, lessening the drought. Looking into the 10-day forecast, we should receive more moisture in Oklahoma, too. Next report will be released April 25.
Texas—In the April 4 report, compared to last report, hay prices are mostly steady across all regions, with some weaker prices noted in south Texas. Some much needed rain fell across the south and east last week. Rainfall totals ranged from 2 to 15 inches, and caused area flooding in some regions forcing livestock producers to move animals to higher ground and feed until pastures can dry out. Rain also fell in the Panhandle. The rain maybe the lifeline that area winter wheat producers were needing to make it through the next month. Drought conditions continue in south central and west Texas and have expanded as the majority of those regions are in the extreme to exceptional drought category. Next report will be released April 18.
South Dakota—In the April 11 report, compared to last report, movement of hay demand is light. According to the USDA-NASS, winter wheat condition rated 10% very poor, 28% poor, 44% fair, 18% good, and 0% excellent. Spring wheat planted was 9%, ahead of 4% last year, and near 6% for the five-year average. Oats planted was 15%, near 16% last year, but ahead of 8% average.
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 April 10 report, compared to the last report, movement has increased with more smaller loads going out. Producers are saying most of the hay being sold right now is going to ranches for feed that don’t have any grass growing yet. Horse quality hay has been steady moving this past week. Quite a few tons of hay left to sell in various areas of the state. According to the Wyoming crop progress report, as of April 6, hay supplies were reported to be 60% adequate, pasture and range conditions are 16% good condition, winter wheat is 8% good condition and livestock were reported to be 65% good condition.
Montana—In the April 11 report, compared to last report, hay sold fully steady. Supplies continue to move across the state as producers push to sell hay. Trucks are moving all across the state as producers have priced hay to move. Larger hay sales over 500 ton continue to sell with discounts to smaller sales. Producers are offering buyers discounts if they take larger quantities as they continue to move through supplies. Supplies have decreased over the last few weeks but remain moderate in most locations. Valley rain and mountain snow continue across the state this week, however most locations received very light totals. Demand remains good for grass hay and mixed hay as ranchers search for grass to get cows and calves to turnout time. Demand for higher quality hay has improved some as cows get picky with the arrival of spring. Demand for hay in the eastern portion of the state has improved in recent weeks as dry conditions are beginning to become worrisome for ranchers. Many locations continue to miss spring rains that western and central Montana have seen this spring. Market activity was mostly moderate to active this week.
