State-By-State Hay Markets
New Mexico—In June 19 report, compared to the last report, the hay market appeared steady to firm.
Colorado—In July 2 report, compared to the last report, Trade activity Moderate. Demand Good to Very Good on both old crop and new crop hay. Premium quality alfalfa hay and mixed grass hay small squares sold steady to $1/bale higher. Little movement reported on new trades in the feedlot and dairy hay markets. New crop activity picking up on new crop horse hay sales. The next available report will be July 16.
Missouri—In the June 25 report, although several farmers took a chance and got some hay baled rains have made it a challenge to get hay baled dry thus far. As of the latest crop progress report, haying has fallen behind the 5-yr average pace now. Looking ahead to next week it seems as if the weather is going to break and heat up right in time for fireworks, which should let producers catch up. Wheat and fescue seed harvest has been in full swing over the last two weeks and is well past the halfway point. Pastures conditions show 76% of the state in good to excellent conditions, and other than the SE drought is not a concern currently with much of the state having a surplus of moisture. 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 July 2 report, compared to the last report, alfalfa in the east sold mostly steady. In the central alfalfa sold steady to $10 higher. In the west sold steadyto $20 higher on large square bales. Sun cured alfalfa pellets in the east sold $10 higher and dehy pellets in the Platte Valley sold steady. Ground and delivered hay steady. Interesting market this week as the west looks like its dollars a ton higher than places in the central and east but as you ship hay to the western side of the state from these areas the time it gets delivered the hay market is very similar. Some hay sellers said buyer inquiry has died down some in the last two weeks as spotty rain showers are aiding in the growth of summer grass pastures. Also, rain will help the meadow grass tonnage as that harvest is just around the corner after the 4th of July. Some feedlots or backgrounding lots are jumping in and trying to purchase all their bank account will allow as others are just hand to mouth in purchases. Some irrigation districts in the panhandle have finally turned irrigation water on and customers know they have limited inches of water this season.
Oklahoma—In the July 3 report, a lot of the same. Movement is still slow. The next report release will be on July 17.
Texas—In the June 26 report, compared to the last report, hay prices and demand remain steady. The next available hay report will be July 10.
South Dakota— In the June 26 report, compared to last report, very good demand for all classes and qualities of hay, as drought conditions grip a very large region. Rains have been spotty, leaving many areas seeing little moisture at all which has greatly affected forage production. Cattle producers from western regions are in dire need of hay as grass is short and their hay crops look to be very limited. A large amount of wheat has been baled as growth was so poor across South Dakota. There were good rains across the central part of the state last week. Grass hay production is greatly diminished across a large section of the state. Second cutting of alfalfa underway East River, tonnage reduced in those dry areas.
Wyoming— In June 25 report, compared to the last report, most hay prices were sharply higher. Demand is very good from local and out of state buyers. Light tonnage, very little carry over along with short irrigation water this year has driven prices up a lot across the Cowboy state. But in reality, hay prices have not jumped upward as much as the price of a calf or feeder cattle. Spotty rain showers along with some hail in different areas of the state in the last two weeks. Tonnage a little lighter than many producers would like as input cost have jumped upward this year. Many producers commented that the hay quality is way better than previous years.
Montana— In June 26 report, hay was too lightly tested to develop an accurate market trend, steady undertones were noticed on limited sales. Hay movement was very light the past two weeks. Most ranchers have cows and calves turned out and are not feeding hay. Hay supplies remain very light. Some new crop hay sales have been seen, however sales are light. Producers report that demand for hay is very good. Most producers want to get hay put in the bale before they establish any prices. However, some producers are pricing hay off delivered prices from surrounding states in order to stay competitive. Hay is being delivered into Western Montana mostly from Washington and Eastern and Central Montana from the Dakotas for $225-$250 depending on freight. Rains continue to fall across the state and this has helped first cutting in many locations. Producers report that with cooler and wetter conditions, alfalfa has yet to hit bloom stage for first cutting in many places. Many in higher elevations hope to cut first over the next two weeks. Many producers report that much of their entire years production has already been spoken for, but many have yet to price it until they know the quality and quantity of the hay they are going to put up. Southern and eastern Montana producers are wrapping up first cutting or waiting on 2nd. Yields are down significantly according to producers who have first cutting on the ground. According to the drought monitor 76.66% the state is in Moderate drought or worse, up 2.01% from 2 weeks ago. 31.30% of the state is in an Severe drought or worse, up 2.41% from 2 weeks ago. 6.41% of the state is in Extreme drought or worse, up 0.61% from 2 weeks ago. 0% of the state is in Expectational drought, unchanged from 2 weeks ago. Notably, 85.90% of the state is abnormally dry, up 1.35% from 2 weeks ago.
