State-By-State Hay Summary
Colorado—In the July 17 report, compared to last report, trade activity and demand light. No market trend available due to a lack of comparable trades. Next report will be released July 31.
Missouri—In the July 24 report, compared to last report, hay movement has been slow, prices are steady to week, supplies are heavy, and demand is light. Pastures in the state continue to be some of the highest rated in the nation and much better than those in neighboring states. Once again this year a few farmers who were lucky enough to get started early between spring rains are cutting grass hay for a second time and if fall goes well could likely get a third cutting if they choose to keep baling. This is very uncommon for grass hay in Missouri. Extreme heat over the last week has made being out a bit less enjoyable, especially if you had to spend the day on an open station tractor but it has allowed for several to get back to making hay as along as they weren’t under one of those previously mentioned storms that dropped multiple inches of rain.
Nebraska—In the July 17 report, compared to two weeks ago, small square bales of alfalfa and grass hay sold steady. Not enough test on round bales for a market trend. Ground and delivered hay sold steady to $5 lower. Dairy hay contracts between the same parties sold $10 lower than last year’s contract. Several of the ground and delivered companies are off the market on buying new crop hay as they continue to work through previous years stockpile hay supplies. Demand was almost nil these last two weeks. Alfalfa producers are finishing up second with others starting on third cutting. Grass hay production is off some from last year tonnage as spring moisture was slow to come and the plants are just maturing late. Maybe 2 to 4 weeks behind a “normal” year.
Oklahoma—In the July 25 report, compared to last report, demand is slow. There are some movements, but not enough for a trend for all types of hay. Oklahoma has been able to bale hay over the past few weeks. For some producers during the past few weeks, this would be their third cutting, and for some, it will be their first for the year. Heat and high humidity remain. Next report will be released Aug. 8.
Texas—In the July 25 report, compared to last report, hay prices are mostly steady across all regions with light to moderate demand. Moderate to heavy supplies were reported in all regions. The next available hay report will be Aug. 8.
South Dakota—In the July 25 report, compared to last report, alfalfa hay steady. Light to moderate demand currently. Second cutting of alfalfa was difficult to put up due to frequent rains and high relative humidity levels. Hot weather in the forecast for the coming week, but dry.
New Mexico—In the July 25 report, compared to last report, hay market mostly steady to firm.
Wyoming—In the July 24 report, compared to the last report, all reported hay sales sold steady. Demand was mostly light, instances moderate. Some buyers started to procure pretty large amounts of tonnage in the last two weeks. Hay quality and tonnage has been all over the place this year. Some producers are still selling old crop hay. Some producers out west finishing up on first cutting of hay. Producers in the east are starting on the second cutting or have finished. Dairy quality hay across the state is in short supply. Western areas remain dry with some areas in the east getting spotty rain showers. Overall it has been a very trying year across the state for the hay producers.
Montana—In the July 25 report, compared to last report, hay sold mostly $10 to $20 higher on good to very good demand. The strongest demand continues to be seen from northern Montana, as drought conditions coupled with limited irrigation water have greatly increased the demand for hay in the region. Most of the hay sold was purchased delivered for $200 to $250. New crop prices continue to establish themselves and some variation in price continues to be seen. Rare July rains have fallen across much of south, central and southeastern portions of the state over the past 2 weeks allowing for summer pastures to green in some locations and sustain themselves in others. Cattle herd expansion is on the minds of many ranchers and many are purchasing hay and grain hay ahead of winter as they try to fine enough feed to sustain extra mouths. Producers in southern and eastern Montana are in the middle of second cutting. Central Montana is wrapping up first. Market activity was mostly moderate to active this secession.
