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 16 report, compared to the last report, trade activity Moderate. Demand Good to Very Good on both old crop and new crop hay. Premium 3×3’s of mixed grass hay sold steady to $4/bale higher. Small squares of prairie/meadow grass sold 50 cents/bale higher this period. Little movement reported on new trades in the feedlot and dairy hay markets. New crop activity picking up on new crop horse hay sales for small squares and 3×3’s. The next available report will be July 30.

Missouri—In the July 9 report, The weather finally broke, and many gallons of diesel were burnt last week. One would have been hard pressed to find any hay equipment in the state that wasn’t being used. Although quality is questionable, moisture had kept undergrowth lush, and yields seem to be much more satisfying compared to what was being talked about by those few that managed to get any hay put up a month ago. Near 85% of the state is drought free, the SE remains in drought, but conditions have improved. Pasture conditions are rated 77% good to excellent and 20% fair which is quite impressive for mid-July. 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 16 report, compared to the last report, lfalfa across the state sold fully steady. Native prairie grass sold steady to 20.00 higher. Ground and delivered hay steady except in the west sold $40 per ton higher. Dehy and Sun-cured pellets steady. Demand was good. Dry weather across the state this week has let hay producers put up tons of good to premium native grass and alfalfa hay. Native meadow grass production producing around 60% to 75% of normal year with a few reports of fertilized, native sub irrigated meadows at near normal production. Some hay producers are on second cutting of alfalfa with others in the east getting ready for third cutting. Second cutting tonnage has been better than first cutting in several areas especially on irrigated ground.

Oklahoma—In the July 17 report, hay movement has slowed to a standstill. The next report release will be on July 31.

Texas—In the July 10 report, compared to the last report, Hay prices and demand remain steady. The next available hay report will be July 24.

South Dakota— In the July 17 report, compared to last report, Very good demand for all classes and qualities of hay currently. Drought conditions continue to grip much of the state, resulting in decreased supplies of forage. Dairies are making their third cutting as they are chopping it this week, second cutting of dry alfalfa production is nearing completion. Hot weather has gripped the region for the last few weeks, rain is greatly needed.

Wyoming— In July 9 report, compared to the last report, hay prices fully steady. Demand was good. Most hay producers have been getting a lot of calls from all over the nation and are shipping quite a lot of hay out of state mostly in small squares. Some producers have been getting some irrigation water since the last report but total feet will be a lot shorter than normal. Spotty rain showers around the Powell area with daily reports of .10-.30 most days and it has been very hard to put-up top-quality hay in some areas from these daily rain showers. Tonnage was mostly light on the first cutting in most reporting areas.

Montana— In July 10 report, compared to last report(6-26-26): Hay sold generally steady to weak. The hay market is beginning to fully establish itself as producers finally have hay in the bale. Much of the new crop hay on this report has seen a shot of rain. Demand for feeder hay is good. Hay movement the past two weeks was active with many producers actively selling hay as soon as they can get it put up. Most ranchers are purchasing hay for winter needs as most have cows and calves turned out and are not feeding hay. New crop contracts have slowed as producers want to see how much hay they are going to be able to produce before they sell off more than they produce. Surrounding state hay prices have kept Montana prices in check, as producers are being forced to remain competitive with hay being delivered into the state. Hay is being delivered into Western Montana mostly from Washington and Eastern and Central Montana from the Dakotas for 225.00-250.00/ton depending on freight. Ranchers report that they are getting hay delivered out of Canada as well. Rains have been plentiful north of the border and heavy supplies are keeping prices very competitive. Much of the hay being brought into Montana out of Canada is $200.00/ton and under delivered. USDA freight assistance programs have also aided ranchers in bringing in hay from surrounding states. Timely rains have helped boost production yields as many ranchers are putting up their own hay and are less reliant on having to buy hay for winter needs. First cutting continues to be put up at higher elevations and 2nd cutting is underway in many locations in southern and eastern Montana. All hay listed in the report below is new crop hay unless otherwise notie According to the drought monitor 52.91% the state is in Moderate drought or worse, down 23.75% from 2 weeks ago. 20.58% of the state is in an Severe drought or worse, down 10.72% from 2 weeks ago. 0.61% of the state is in Extreme drought or worse, down 5.80% 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, unchanged from 2 weeks ago.