State-By-State Hay Markets
New Mexico—In June 4 report, compared to the last report, the hay market appeared steady to firm.
Colorado—In June 4 report, compared to the last report, trade activity Light. Demand good to very Good on both old crop and new crop hay. 3×3’s of old crop alfalfa horse hay sold $5 to $10 per bale higher this period. First cutting of alfalfa hay is underway as we wrap up haylage harvest of wheat, triticale, and rye. New crop prices are firm due to current drought conditions. Irrigation water allocation reductions across the state are driving new crop prices higher and increasing prevent plant acres. The next available report will be June 18.
Missouri—In the June 4 report, A window of dry weather has allowed many producers to get into the fields this week. Although the current weeks progress hasn’t been reported yet as of the beginning of the week 1st cutting of Alfalfa was running slightly ahead of the 5-year average while other hay was basically even. Some farmers have stated grass hay yields, especially fescue have been disappointing even fields that were fertilized depending on location and how hard frost hit. Hay demand is light, and supplies are moderate. Hay prices are generally 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 June 4 report, compared to the last report, round bales of alfalfa sold steady to 5.00 higher. Large square bales of alfalfa sold steady. Old crop round bales of grass hay steady to $30 higher. Ground and delivered mostly steady except the western area sold steady to $10 higher. Old crop dehy and sun-cured pellets steady. Demand was good. Quite a few livestock owners are scrambling to find hay to feed their livestock since the rains have been slow to come and pastures are slow to grow. Spotty rain showers along with some hail in various places across the state. Tonnage on first cutting has a wide range, few early reports on dryland of .50 to 1 ton per acre with irrigation from 1 to 2 tons. Several eastern area contacts have been done with first cutting and will be starting second cutting in another week or so. As one moves west there is still a lot of first cutting to be cut and baled. Some contacts have green chopped their first cutting of alfalfa and fields of rye grass.
Oklahoma—In the June 5 report, Movement is slow. All parts of Oklahoma are in different situations. Cattle and hay producers are trying to navigate the current drought, pricing, and prediction in the early stages of summer and hay production. Due to the carryover hay, which is less than expected. Contracts for hay are being placed before harvesting. Even with contracts, prices for new crop grass hay are still to be determined. The next report release will be on June 19.
Texas—In the May 29 report, compared to the last report, hay prices remain steady. The next available hay report will be June 12.
South Dakota— In the June 5 report, compared to last report, Very good demand for all classes and qualities of hay currently. The affects of the drought are on full display in the hay market, as livestock producers scramble to find the hay they need as grass was slow to grow this year. Big rains have come to much of the state, but there are dry pockets that continue to miss the much needed precipitation. Grass growth was hampered by the cold, dry, and then hot weather in April and May. Alfalfa stands are in better shape but tonnage still varies a lot due to the drought conditions. Livestock producers that balked at hay prices a month ago are now willing to give much more as become desperate for hay.
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.
Montana— In May 29 report, ay sold mostly 10.00-15.00 higher. Hay supplies across the state are very light and demand is very good. Hay prices continue to increase as ranchers search for hay. Conditions across the state remain dry and both producers and ranchers continue to show concern for hay availability. Lower quality hay continues to see strong demand as ranchers search for hay to feed cows while they wait for there to be enough grass to turn out. Spring rain and snow showers were very light across much of the state, however some western mountain snow was seen this past week as a system clipped the northern and Northwestern portions of the state. Dry and dusty conditions were seen this week across much of Northeastern Montana with some roads closed on Thursday due to low visibility from blowing dust. No new crop contracts were seen this week as producers were overwhelmed with interest for hay. Most producers took a back seat and decided to wait to see how much hay they can produce and how the market develops over the next few weeks. 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 59.58% of the state is in Moderate drought or worse, up 2.40% from 2 weeks ago. 32.64% of the state is in an Severe drought or worse, up 4.34% from 2 weeks ago. 6.08% of the state is in Extreme drought or worse, up 0.91% from 2 weeks ago. 0% of the state is in Expectational drought, unchanged from 2 weeks ago. Notably, 87.34% of the state is abnormally dry, down 6.94% from 2 weeks ago.
