State-By-State Hay Summary
Colorado—In Oct. 9 report, trade activity and demand moderate. Small squares and medium square 3×3’s of horse hay sold unevenly steady. The next available report will be Oct. 23.
Missouri—In the Oct. 16 report, compared to last report, hay movement has been moderate as some livestock owners have looked to pick up a little more hay, due to early feeding or concerns of short pastures as the growing season ends. Even with the extra activity there is a lot of lower quality hay in the state and prices on that type is steady to weak, true top quality hay is steady to firm. Supplies are moderate to heavy, and demand is moderate.
Nebraska—In the Oct. 9 report, compared to last report, all reported hay sold steady. Overall, demand for hay is rather slow across the state for this time of year. Some hay is moving to feedlots or backgrounders as they are getting fresh calves in to wean. The smaller/backyard farmer or livestock owners that usually buy small bales for their livestock and horses have been slow to purchase. The weather is still nice, and animals are out grazing so why spend money on hay. Some talk on the 2025 price of cornstalk bales early ask price is $50 to $60 per ton. Cornstalk bale producers are thinking of only raking and baling what they have presold. Even though alfalfa producers are struggling with moving bales of hay they continue to chase after another cutting of alfalfa. Some producers are on third others are on fourth with a few thinking of taking a fifth cutting this fall.
Oklahoma—In the Oct. 17 report, compared to the last report, demand is slow to no movement. Hay crop season is wrapping up this week. This will add to the hay supply. Cattle continue to sell with no end in sight. Drought continues to spread throughout Oklahoma, but there is some moisture in the forecast over the next few days. Next report will be released Oct. 31.
New Mexico—In the Oct. 6 report, compared to last report, the hay market appeared slightly lower.
Texas—In the Oct. 14 report, compared to the last report, hay prices were steady with light to good demand. The next available hay report will be Oct. 31.
South Dakota—In the Oct. 17 report, compared to last report, demand remains light to moderate currently. Hay buyers aren’t very active in spite of a challenging year to put up high quality hay. Low cost of corn in rations is causing buyers to set their sights on buying hay cheaper. Corn harvest well underway and corn stalk baling now. The month of October has been warm and dry, allowing for fast crop dry now and a quick harvest, until rain at midweek slowed progress.
Wyoming—In Oct. 16 report, compared to two weeks ago, hay prices are steady. Hay producers are a little stumped on why hay movement is rather slow this month. Cattle prices are at a record for the ranchers. Droughts are present in the southwest and western areas of the state, and some land has been burned. But the demand from a rancher to procure hay for winter feeding has been light. Could possibly be cattle or livestock numbers are just light enough that there is an over supply of feed within the state.
