State-By-State Hay Markets
New Mexico—In May 8 report, compared to the last report, the hay market appeared steady to firm.
Colorado—In May 21 report, compared to the last report, trade rade activity very light. Demand good to very good on both old crop and new crop hay. The next available report will be June 4.
Missouri—In the May 21 report, As of early this week hay progress was running slightly head of the average with first cutting of alfalfa at 23 percent complete and other hay at 15 percent. ASS released the hay stocks reports showing a decrease in stocks nationwide for the first time in three years. Missouri is said to have an increase of 10 percent over this point last year. Hay prices are steady. Demand is light and supplies are moderate. 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 May 22 report, compared to the last report, round bales of alfalfa sold 10.00 to 20.00 higher. Ground and delivered alfalfa in the Platte Valley sold 35.00 higher, ground and delivered cornstalks sold 20.00 higher. Ground and delivered hay in the west sold 20.00 higher. Grass hay sold fully steady. Demand was very good. Dryness continues in a large area and some ranchers are looking for large quantities of hay so they can dry lot cow/calf pairs this summer. Some new crop sales on the report with some large quantities of hay under contract for the 2026 growing season. These contracts are made but the hay has yet to be produced. Upward trend in the hay market and buyers and sellers know it will go higher as the demand picks up and the tonnage could be light this summer due to lack of moisture. Some alfalfa in the central and eastern areas has RFV ranging from 235-260 on first cutting. RFV is testing way better on the first cutting of 2026 than in recent years.
Oklahoma—In the May 28 report, compared to the last report, Movement is still moderate to steady for this time of year. Looking into the new hay crop. Hay growers are trying to find their footing in pricing trends. Due to the carryover hay, it is less than expected. Different parts of the state are in different phases in their hay production. Prices for new crop hay are still to be determined. It is still too early to tell what the new crop of grass hay will be. Drought has increased to 99.61 percent of the state that has some form of drought.. The next report release will be on June 5.
Texas—In the May 29 report, compared to the last report, hay prices remain steady. The next available hay report will be June 12.
Montana— In May 29 report, hay sold mostly 15.00-20.00 higher in a narrow comparison. Hay supplies across the state are very light and continue to lighten as ranchers buy hay to supplement cattle waiting on grass. Demand is very good as a result. Ranchers are watching the forecast closely with much of western, central, and Northern Montana forecasted to receive from half an inch up to three inches over the weekend. However, conditions across much the state remain dry and some producers are selling cattle as they don’t have enough feed or grass. Pairs and replacement heifers have been the first victims of the drought as ranchers have started marketing these offerings over the last few weeks. New crop contracts have been slow but many ranchers have pushed to ensure they have hay for winter needs. This has pushed hay sharply higher for fall delivery. Demand for buyers looking for high quality horse hay is very good as supplies are extremely light, especially in central Montana. Some hay traders are buying fall hay contracts in surrounding state to ensure supplies are covered for their customers. Many worry they will not have enough hay to sustain their current customers. Much of this hay is being delivered into Montana for 245.00-265.00 depending on freight. Producers in Northeastern Montana report large swaths of winter kill due the January ice storm. There is a major concern over how much hay will be produced this summer. Many irrigation districts have already announced they will have a very short irrigation season due to low river and stream flows. This, coupled with drought conditions and heavy winter kill will limit the volume of hay produced. According to the drought monitor 76.00% of the state is in Moderate drought or worse, up 16.42% from 2 weeks ago. 40.83% of the state is in an Severe drought or worse, up 8.19% from 2 weeks ago. 10.36% of the state is in Extreme drought or worse, up 4.28% from 2 weeks ago. 0% of the state is in Expectational drought, unchanged from 2 weeks ago. Notably, 87.28% of the state is abnormally dry, up 0.06% from 2 weeks ago.
South Dakota— In the Apr. 10 report, compared to last report, good interest from beef cattle operations looking to buy grass hay, not near the interest in buying alfalfa currently. Large dairy operations continue to feed haylage, which is keeping the alfalfa market under some pressure. Warmer temps and some rain in the forecast for the weekend and the start of next week. Good demand for cornstalks yet.
Wyoming— In Apr. 15 report, compared to the last report, bales of alfalfa grass and pellets sold steady. Demand was good. Quite a few people calling and looking for hay to purchase. Hay contacts are sold out of 2025 hay and are waiting to start the new crop hay probably the last week in May if every works out correctly. Irrigation water is the big topic on the hay calls. Some areas will have normal amounts of water and other districts are limiting the amount of water and the days to use it. Released on Monday, April 13, the state’s SNOTELs are reading 46% of median with a basin high of 88% and a basin low of 0%. Last year the state was at 91%, and at 97% in 2024. Lack of snow fall this year is what has put the halt on the irrigation water for this growing season. Hopefully good Ole Mother Nature will bring the rains to grow the grass, hay and replenish the water in lakes and reservoirs. Next report will the first part of June
