State-By-State Hay Summary
Colorado—In the May 1 report, compared to last report, trade activity and demand light. Small square bale producers continue to sell out of 2024 hay as new crop first cutting nears. Record high cattle prices have cattle feeders hesitating on making offers for 2025 hay.
Missouri—In the May 1 report, compared to last report, hay prices are steady to weak, supply and demand are light to moderate. Another pretty wet week has prevented much field work in the state for all but just a few areas. There was a bit of high moisture hay cut and wrapped last week but that too has been very limited. Several would like to get started but there hasn’t even been enough dry days in most areas to accomplish that. Pastures and hay fields do look good with all the moisture but at this point some warm sunshine is needed.
Nebraska—In the April 24 report, compared to last week, reported forage prices steady. Demand was light to instances moderate. Some hay going to out of state feedlots in bales or as ground and delivered product. Quite a few forage producers are holding hay over into the new crop year due to the dryness in the area. Also, they are hoping to increase the price per ton they are selling their hay. Next report will be released May 8.
Oklahoma—In the April 25 report, compared to last report, prices remain steady, and demand is at a standstill compared to the last report. Rain has covered Oklahoma multiple times, preventing hay producers from moving hay. No end in sight for cattle being sold. Producers are officially in the between season of old hay and new hay. Alfalfa cutting season is here, and prices for alfalfa are still undetermined for new crop hay. Preparation for the new crop of grass hay is underway as well. The availability of grass hay is still high when it comes to supply across Oklahoma. Next report will be released May 9.
Texas—In the May 2 report, compared to last report, hay prices are mostly steady across all regions with moderate to light demand. Rainfall during the current and past few weeks led to large areas of improvement across the central, northern, and eastern portions of the Texas dryness and drought coverage. Dryness and drought remains widespread across most of Texas outside the northeast. Next report will be released May 16.
South Dakota—In the April 25 report, compared to last report, movement of hay demand is light planting of new alfalfa crops have started in some parts of the state.
New Mexico—In the May 2 report, according to the NASS New Mexico Crop Progress report April 27, hay and roughage supplies were reported as 17% very short, 20% short, and 63% adequate, compared with 33% very short, 54% short, and 13% adequate last year.
Wyoming—In the April 24 report, compared to the last report, all reported hay sales sold steady. Demand was mostly light to instances moderate. Sellers are starting to let go of some tonnage since new crop will be here before we know it and they all need space in hay barns for the 2025 product. Some producers still have some 2023 sitting around the farm.
Montana—In the May 2 report, hay sold fully steady. Demand for feeder hay is starting to slow as we approach summer, however a few sales continue to be seen. Demand from Canadian buyers was moderate to good this week as several loads a week over the last few weeks are selling to buyers north of the border. Most of this hay is lower quality feeder hay. Canadian buyers have also been become interested in press hay to try to export to pacific rim countries. Many producers report very good interest in good to supreme quality hay, however limited supplies of this quality of hay remain available. Supplies of hay have lightened some, but remain light to moderate. Some carry over is expected but drastically less than the last two hay seasons. Some producers remain optimist hay demand could improve later in the summer if conditions remain dry. Some producers are ripping out hay and opting to plant a different crop. Hay barley has been at the top of many producers lists as input and labor costs are lower and feed values remain relatively similar to alfalfa. Market activity was mostly slow to moderate this week.
