State-By-State Hay Markets
Colorado—In Dec. 19 report, compared to the last report, rade activity light on moderate demand. Prices mostly steady. Due to the upcoming holidays, the next available report will be Jan. 15.
Missouri—In the Jan. 7 report, ost livestock owners are enjoying not dealing with mud or having problems getting trucks or tractors started, but in the back of everyone’s mind is the lack of moisture and how much some is needed before the new growing season.Prices seem to have stabilized and are mostly steady. The Missouri Department of Agriculture has a hay directory at https://apps.mda.mo.gov/haydirectory or visit the University of Missouri Extension feed stuff finder at https://feedstufffinder.org.
Nebraska—In the Dec. 18 report, compared to two weeks ago, all reported hay sales sold steady. Demand was mostly light instances moderate in some areas for bales of forage. Good demand for dehy and suncured pellets for regrinding into feed products. Reports of quite a lot of 2024 hay sitting around the state plus a rather large supply of 2025 hay along with several thousands bales of cornstalks. Most of the cornstalk bales are taking the excess trash off fields but are adding a surplus of roughage to a market that is already saturated with product to market. Some livestock owners are supplementing feeding in the cold snap this month, but overall tonnage fed has been quite a lot less for most Decembers compared to previous years. The next report release will be on Jan. 15.
Oklahoma—In the Jan. 2 report, compared to the last report, movement is at a standstill to steady. The next report release will be on Jan. 16.
Texas—In the Jan. 9 report, compared to the last report, hay prices were steady with good demand. Drought conditions continued to intensify in far south Texas. The next available hay report will be Jan. 23.
South Dakota— In the Dec. 12 report, compared to last report, light to moderate demand for all types of hay. Good demand for corn stalks and straw. Winter weather moved into the region Demand for hay is starting to improve as the weather has been cold and snowy, more cold on the way for the weekend as the next Alberta clipper moves through with temps plunging to -20°F.
Wyoming— In Jan. 8 report, compared to the last report hay sales reported trading steady. Demand is mostly light, instances moderate. Dry, windy conditions continue across the state and some ranchers are afraid hay price will go up this year’s growing season so some are laying in enough hay to get through the winter of 2026-2027. Some hay contacts have decided to retire from the hay productions business as they have sold their ground to the younger generation.
Montana— In Jan. 9 report, compared to last report, Hay sold mostly 10.00-20.00 higher. Hay in Northern and Western portions of the state have seen supplies tighten over the past few weeks. Many producers in Western Montana report they are sold out of hay for the season. Hay in the southern portions of the state have seen increased demand due to tighter supplies. This has caused prices to rise since the last report. Demand for round bales is very good as many ranchers report that they are hard to find. Hay in rounds are a 10.00-20.00 premium to hay in squares.
This is mostly driven by rancher demand. Winter weather conditions have been very mild which has helped curb some demand for hay. While several snow storms accrued over the last few weeks much of that snow melted and was absorbed into the ground as some locations have yet to see the ground completely freeze. According to the drought monitor 19.79 of the state is in Moderate drought or worse, down 27.27% from 4 weeks ago. 8.08 of the state is in an Severe drought or worse, down 12.38% from 4 weeks ago. 1.46% of the state is in Extreme drought or worse, down 2.24% from 4 weeks ago. 0% of the state is in Expectational drought, unchanged from 4 weeks ago. Notably, 51.39% of the state is abnormally dry, down 13.37% from 4 weeks ago
