State-By-State Hay Summary

Colorado—In the Sept. 25 report, trade activity and demand moderate. Small squares and medium 3×3 squares of horse hay sold unevenly steady. Next report will be released Oct. 9.

Missouri—In the Oct. 2 report, compared to last report, hay movement is moderate as early feeding has everyone paying close attention to inventories on hand given the shortness of pasture and quickly approaching average first frost date. That being said, at this time supplies aren’t a major concern as producers were able to bale a lot of hay earlier in the year and if they don’t feel they have enough it can still easily be found. Hay prices are steady to firm. Pasture conditions across the state improved ever so slightly over the last week, but it was a very minor amount. Surprisingly there are a few producers finding a little something to bale into fall hay after the rains from a couple of week ago. Others however, are just hoping for enough fall growth to stop feeding for a while before snow flies.

Nebraska—In the Sept. 25 report, compared to last report, all reported bales of hay sold steady. Demand was light. Quite a lot of talk of cutworm issues in alfalfa this month. Some producers say it has mowed a lot of the fourth cutting off. Many are spraying to save what they can of the alfalfa plant. Usually September is a slow month to move hay due to people being busy with the start of fall harvest. With September being wet, silage chopping and high moisture corn production has been pushed back in many areas, and it looks like October may be another slow month for hay producers in net sales. Grass is also bountiful in most areas of the state, and more than likely cattle will graze until the dry corn is picked and cattle must be moved to winter grazing. Some producers are thinking of throwing the towel in and tearing up standing alfalfa fields as cattle numbers remain low, price per ton they are receiving is lower than break even cost and other variables thrown into their thought process.

Oklahoma—In the Oct. 3 report, compared to last report, demand is slow to some movement. Producers continue to cut and bale more hay. This adds to the ample supply of hay across the state. Drought continues to spread throughout Oklahoma. Next report will be released Oct. 17.

Texas—In the Oct. 3 report, compared to last report, hay prices were steady with light to good demand. Some cooler temperatures in Texas contributed to good demand for hay. Next report will be released Oct. 17.

South Dakota—In the Sept. 26 report, compared to last report, demand light to moderate currently, best demand continues to come from out of state interests. High testing alfalfa hay is harder to find this year as the persistent rain showers and high humidity kept hay from curing quickly. Many dairies have chosen to chop and make haylage as dry hay has been hard to make. Fourth cutting of alfalfa was a little easier to put up as the rains became less frequent.

New Mexico—In the Oct. 6 report, compared to last report, the hay market appeared slightly lower.

Wyoming—In the Oct. 2 report, compared to the last report, reported hay sales sold steady. Buyer inquiry and demand has picked up in the last two weeks. Some hay going to ranchers that have lost winter grazing due to recent fires. Quite a lot of the large square bales and some small squares going to buyers from the out of state, with a few loads almost to the East coast. Some producers are finishing third cutting in the east and finishing second cutting in the west. Producers are wanting to lay down another cutting of alfalfa and will after the weekend rain showers pass through.

Montana—In the Oct. 3 report, compared to last report, hay sold generally steady. Very few new hay sales were seen this week as many producers are busy with fall harvest. Fall rains have been beneficial and have greened pastures and rangeland as temperatures have cooled slightly and allowed grass to green and regrow. Many producers are busy trying to wrap up third cutting before predicted rain sets in. Heavy supplies of grain hay continue to weigh on the market. This has put some pressure on the hay market as ranchers and feedlots opt to buy a lower cost feed. Market activity was mostly slow to moderate this secession.