State-By-State Hay Markets
Colorado—In March 12 report, compared to the last report, trade activity Light on Moderate to Good demand. Prices mostly steady on horse hay trades. Feedlots and dairies trades are $15-30/ton higher delivered in than a month ago. Dairies and feedlots are starting to settle on new crop corn standing prices. Alfalfa standing offers are still being considered by farmers with the recent increase in fuel and fertilizer prices the past two weeks holding them up from locking in prices.
Missouri—In the March 19 report, seasonal transitions have been in full force the last couple of weeks, from record highs to mid-teens and heading back to more possible records by this weekend. Grass is greening and livestock haven’t been as eager to clean up hay on the days that had sunshine, and snow wasn’t on the ground. A lot of hay still coming to the market as producers try to move some inventory before feeding season ends. The drought monitor has shown some improvement but still most of the state is highlighted, despite the fact one can get stuck very quickly in most areas currently. A few producers have put some fertilizer on, but it has been very limited thus far applications should pick up a lot in the next couple of weeks by the way the weather looks as long as co-ops and suppliers can get ingredients. Hay supplies are moderate to heavy for the time of year, 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 March 12 report, compared to the last report. big round bales of alfalfa sold mostly steady, instances 20.00 higher on loads of hay leaving the state. Grass hay sold fully steady. Ground and delivered hay steady. Demand was moderate. Dryness continues across the state and in the back of minds of several are thinking should we start buying hay because of the drought? Last year, several buyers stepped up and purchased hay 20.00 to 30.00 per ton more than early hay sales then the state received rain and the hay market collapsed. So that is a thought also that the rains will come this spring. A teaser of moisture early in this week gives hope that the weather pattern will change and ample moisture will prevail. Irrigation water restrictions have been a steady talk in the western area of the state. If this happens, on the ditch water it will throw a huge curve ball to several hay and row crop producers.
Oklahoma—In the March 13 report, compared to the last report, movement is steady. Oklahoma has received rainfall across the state, but it has been limited by drought and wind. We still see the drought remaining steady and don’t expect much movement in the next few weeks. Drought is steady at 100 percent of the state has some form of drought.
Texas—In the March 6 report, compared to the last report, hay prices remain steady with good demand.
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, demand 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, compared to the last report, hay sold mostly steady to 10.00 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 215.00-245.00/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. According to the drought monitor 66.73 of the state is in Moderate drought or worse, up 13.16% from 2 weeks ago. 19.70% of the state is in an Severe drought or worse, up 6.48% from 2 weeks ago. 4.17% of the state is in Extreme drought or worse, unchanged from 2 weeks ago. 0% of the state is in Expectational drought, unchanged from 2 weeks ago. Notably, 94.79% of the state is abnormally dry, up 4.74% from 2 weeks ago.
