State-By-State Hay Markets
Colorado—In Feb. 26 report, compared to the last report, trade activity light on moderate demand. Prices mostly steady across all hay types. Dairies are starting to put offers out on 2026 corn silage and alfalfa haylage. The next available report will be Mar. 12.
Missouri—In the Mar. 5 report, Areas to the south got some pre-spring pond filling rains over the last few days. Much of the rest of the state also received rain but not in the amounts as the south. Mud is fairly common out feeding now though as temperatures are staying above freezing over nights. Fertilizer and fuel prices saw jumps this week due to conflict in the middle east. Luckly prepaying has become common practice for many producers especially those planning to plant corn as prices typically always see an increase as spring arrives. The hope now is that the delivery lines remain efficient. Hay Prices continue to be mostly steady there are many new listings of hay being offered as producers try to clean out inventory before the new growing season. Supply is moderate to heavy, and demand is moderate to light. 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 Feb. 26 report, compared to the last report hay traded mostly steady on all classes. Ground hay offers are steady. Demand was mostly moderate. Farmers are starting to push back on offers as dry weather and drought levels continue to increase with heavy winds and warm temperatures contributing to current conditions..
Oklahoma—In the Feb. 27 report, compared to the last report, ovement has been steady. We do see continued movement due to the drought. We are supposed to see some moisture move across Oklahoma. Drought worsens; 100 percent of the state has some form of drought. The next report release will be on Mar. 13.
Texas—In the Mar. 6 report, compared to the last report, hay prices remain steady with good demand. The next available hay report will be Mar. 20.
South Dakota— In the Feb. 27 report, compared to last report, Light demand for all classes of hay currently. The lack of winter weather has greatly reduced the need for hay as livestock are not consuming as much as they normally would have to during harsher winter weather. Large amounts of carryover, albeit lower quality hay, are reported across the region. Dairy operators are resistant to prices as they have included other feed ingredients into their rations to meet protein needs. Winter storm forecast for the weekend, though just a narrow band but the 14 day forecast looks to have more moisture chances, which would be welcomed. Drought conditions are expanding across the southern half of the state.
Wyoming— In Mar. 5 report, Compared to the last report, hay sales sold fully steady. Demand was goDemand was good especially from out of state buyers with hay going almost to the east coast. Drought conditions and snow pack was on the minds of all contacts. Some water shed districts have already said that they will limit days of water this summer with some districts may not run at this time. Unless, good Ole Mother Nature drops much needed snow or even some slow, soaking rain showers this spring.
Montana— In Mar. 6 report, Hay sold mostly steady to $10 higher. Hay supplies in central and western Montana are very tight and have tightened even more since the last report. Some ranchers are buying hay as insurance due to drought concerns while others are buying hay to make it to grass. With both types of buying seen over the last few weeks this has tightened supplies further. Hay to ship north along the highline is being delivered mostly from $215-$245/ton, a slight increase from last report. Freight costs are also increasing due to the sharp increase in fuel prices over the last week. Many ranchers are trying to expand herds but are worried about hay supplies and higher inputs going forward. Hay supplies in rounds remains tight. Some producers are already talking about 2026 contracts as drought concerns weigh on everyone’s minds, however no offers or contracts have been established as of this writing.
