State-By-State Hay Markets
New Mexico—In June 18 report, compared to the last report, the hay market appeared steady to firm.
Colorado—In June 18 report, compared to the last report, trade activity Light. Trade activity Moderate. Demand Good to Very Good on both old crop and new crop hay. 3×3’s of old crop alfalfa horse hay sold $5 per bale higher this period. The next available report will be June 18.
Missouri—In the June 11 report, although it seems as if there hasn’t been much in the way of any significant stretches of haying weather, small windows here and there have allowed for haying. As of the latest progress report, producers are right in line with the 5-year average pace at this point. Many farmers reporting yields below average as fields are thin or short due to the late frost in many areas. Heavy rains, some big hail, and even a tornado, went across northern Missouri this week. 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 18 report, compared to the last report, bales of alfalfa sold steady to $5 higher from east to west. Grass hay fully steady on old crop hay with a higher undertone noted on limited new crop grass bales. Wheat hay on new crop sold sharply higher. Sun-cured alfalfa pellets sold $20 higher in the East and $30 higher in the west. Dehy alfalfa Pellts sold steady. Ground and delivered hay steady. Demand was good in most areas of the state with very good demand in the west. Drought and burnt land continues and these area are seeking large quantities of hay to feed their livestock. Most of the wheat crop in the west that was on dryland ground has been cut and baled. Alfalfa tonnage has been all over the place with reports coming in from ½ to 2 tons per acre. Irrigation water is just now getting turned on in some areas in the western part of the state with other districts thinking it will be July 1 before canals are full. Few, very small grasshoppers are starting to surface across the region and may have to be sprayed.
Oklahoma—In the June 19 report, Movement is slow. We have received some rain, and according to the forecast, Oklahoma is receiving more over the next few days. Parts of Oklahoma have received just enough moisture to have their first cutting. Other parts are still too wet to drive in their fields. Others are still waiting to see what hay crop they might have for this hay season. Still trying to navigate what this hay season holds for Oklahoma. Drought in Oklahoma has decreased to 81.66%, with the state having some form of drought. The next report release will be on July 3.
Texas—In the June 12 report, compared to the last report, hay prices and demand remain steady. The next available hay report will be June 26.
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 June 11 report, compared to the last report, First released report in several weeks a market trend is not applicable. Demand was good on products that have yet to be mowed and baled. Some prospective buyers continue to call producers trying to contract hay at a reasonable price to the buyer. Most producers are on the fence about contracting a lot of hay this week. Some reports of weevils in the hay fields in the western side of the state. Most of the reporting regions have a few acres on the ground but many will start later in the month. Water irrigation is a main topic as it’s day-to-day on the amount of water that will be available this growing season. Many hay producers are behind in their watering of the hay fields due to issues with various ditches. So, with lack of water, tonnage will probably be a little light on the hay production this year. Unless, good ole Mother Nature decides to produce some rain across the state.
Montana— In June 12 report, hay sold mostly $15-20 higher in a narrow comparison. Hay supplies across the state are very light and continue to tighten as ranchers buy hay to supplement cattle in dry conditions. While rain has fallen across much of the Northern Plains, pockets of dryness remain, as rainfall was spotty. Some locations received up to 7 inches over the past two weeks, while others received little to no rain. Rain has eased some of the panic ranchers were feeling a few weeks ago when summer conditions were looking very bleak. Producers report that calls and demand for hay remain good, but many are waiting to see how much hay they will be able to produce before they set any prices. A few new crop contracts were seen this past week. Very good demand was noted for grain hay as feedlots and ranchers look for ways to keep feed costs as low as possible. A wide range of prices and asking prices has been seen over the last few weeks as producers try to establish the market. Some hay traders are buying fall hay contracts in surrounding states to ensure supplies are covered for their customers. Much of this hay is being delivered into Montana for 245.00-265.00, depending on freight. First cutting has started in southern and eastern Montana. Many producers are fighting a host of issues-including weevils and winterkill-as they try to put up first cutting. Yields are down significantly, according to producers who have hay on the ground. Some producers opted to chop first cutting due to severe frost damage. According to the drought monitor: 74.65% of the state is in Moderate Drought or worse, down 1.35% from two weeks ago. 28.89% of the state is in Severe Drought or worse, down 11.94% from two weeks ago. 5.80% of the state is in Extreme Drought or worse, down 4.56% from two weeks ago. 0% of the state is in Exceptional Drought, unchanged from two weeks ago. 84.55% of the state is abnormally dry, down 2.73% from two weeks ago.
