State-By-State Hay Summary
Colorado—In the Sept. 11 report, trade activity and demand moderate. Small squares and medium 3×3 squares of horse hay sold unevenly steady. Next report will be released Sept. 25.
Missouri—In the Sept. 18 report, compared to last report, hay movement has been slow to moderate and there has been an uptick, but with many baling a lot of hay and having supplies on hand it hasn’t been anything extreme at this point. There is currently a lot of hay offered for sale without having to travel very far regardless of where in the state one might be. Hay prices are steady to firm, supplies are moderate to heavy, and demand is light to moderate. Hay feeding or supplementing of some kind has become fairly common in the southern half of the state. Luckily before rains quit in early August grass had been abundant, and producers baled a lot of hay early. Without some fall rains soon though it could make for an incredibly long feeding season as first frost date isn’t all that far away.
Nebraska—In the Sept. 11 report, compared to two weeks ago, hay sales sold unevenly steady. Demand remains mostly light. Some prospective buyers are starting to look around to see what there is out there for good hay to buy. Usually, September is a slow time of year to sell hay as feedlots are busy with silage chopping and so far, that has held true for this year. When October comes around and cows come out of pastures and there is a Halloween blizzard, demand for hay may increase, but right now most people have enough inventory of feed for a while. When calves start getting weaned, some backgrounders will probably need some forages for those hungry calves, but the price more than likely will be steady with today’s price or on either side of the market. This week has been beautiful haying weather as alfalfa guys are either on third or some are on fourth cutting. Most of it has been put up without rain and it might be the best quality hay produced all season for many producers.
Oklahoma—In the Sept. 19 report, compared to last report, demand is at a standstill. While some parts of the state continue to receive some moisture, drought is spreading throughout Oklahoma. Yet, grass continues to grow, and hay baling continues. This slows down the hay sales. Next report will be released Oct. 3.
Texas—In the Sept. 19 report, compared to last report, hay prices are mostly steady with some instances of $5 lower and light demand. Adequate to excellent supplies were reported in all regions. Next report will be released Oct. 3.
South Dakota—In the Sept. 5 report, compared to last report, demand rather light for all types of hay currently, best demand coming from out of state interests. With the large carryover of old crop hay across the greater region, interest in buying hay has been fairly light all summer. High quality hay is in tighter supply , as frequent rains and high relative humidity made for poor curing conditions. Fourth cutting of alfalfa taking place, where the weather has allowed, giving hope of a chance to make high quality hay.
New Mexico—In the Sept. 19 report, compared to last report, the hay market appeared slightly lower.
Wyoming—In the Sept. 18 report, compared to the last report, most hay sales sold steady. Demand was moderate. This week’s trades were a pretty even mix of hay going to ranches, feedlots, and dairies. Dairy quality alfalfa hay is bringing around 1.00 per point RFV. Grinder quality alfalfa moving to the feedlots are delivering at low values. Ranch hay is bringing a significant premium over what feedlots are offering. Recent storms are hitting areas where third cutting hay is on the ground and delaying corn silage harvest that’s underway.
Montana—In the Sept. 19 report, compared to last report, hay sold generally steady to $10 lower. Demand was mostly light to moderate on moderate to heavy supplies. Supplies of grain hay remain heavy. Late summer rains have helped with fall regrowth in many locations and demand for hay has softened slightly. Rain has also led to excess supplies of utility and fair quality hay as many fields were rained on prior to getting baled. Hay prices remain the highest in Northern Montana, however prices even along the highline have softened slightly. Some producers and ranchers are attempting to get an additional cutting of hay along the highline as late summer rains helped spur enough regrowth to justify another cutting. Straw sold fully steady. Market activity was mostly moderate this secession.
