State-By-State Hay Markets
Hay markets across the Central and Western U.S. are seeing generally steady to stronger prices as weather, drought and regional forage supplies shape late-summer trade. Demand ranges from light in areas with ample supplies to very strong in drought-affected regions, where buyers are actively seeking hay from neighboring states. As producers continue second and third cuttings, transportation, irrigation availability and reduced grass hay production remain key factors influencing the market.
Colorado—In Aug. 13 report, compared to the last report, trade activity Moderate. Demand Good to Very Good all markets of new crop hay. Small squares and 3×3’s of horse hay sold unevenly steady. No comparable trades on feedlot and dairy markets, but prices remain firm. The next available report will be Aug. 27.
Missouri—In the Aug. 7 report, hay harvest has been moving along as producers have had to play catch up most of the season following a late start due to weather delays. Overall progress is back on track and some producers starting to put equipment away now. Pastures across the state are currently rated as some of the best in the nation for the week ending Aug 2nd, 80% of the state was rated good to excellent, 17% fair, and 3% poor. Lots of hay showing up for sale and supplies are moderate to heavy. Hay prices are steady on grass types of hay and firm to higher on the upper end of Alfalfa. Hay demand is light. 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 Aug. 13 report, compared to the last report, alfalfa hay in the Eastern side of the state fully steady, alfalfa pellets steady. Grass hay and alfalfa hay in the Central area steady to $10 higher. Ground and delivered hay steady. Alfalfa hay in the Platte Valley sold steady and ground and delivered hay sold $40 per ton higher. Alfalfa pellets sold steady. In the west alfalfa hay sold steady to $20 higher. Ground and delivered hay sold $25 higher and sun cured alfalfa pellets sold steady. Demand was good to very good for bales of forage. Light demand on alfalfa pellets. Native grass hay producers are roughly 30% to 50% below a normal year on tonnage. Quite a lot of hay continues to get shipped out to the western side of the state and into Wyoming from the Central and Platte Valley areas. Also, increasing demand for bales of forage for weaning light calves.
Oklahoma—In the July 30 report, compared to the last report, hay movement has picked up. Due to the heat, hay producers across the state are having to run their equipment late at night and early in the morning. As a positive part of the heat, central and eastern parts of Oklahoma have been able to put up all types of hay.The next report release will be on Aug. 21.
Texas—In the Aug. 7 report, compared to the last report, hay prices and demand remain steady. The next available hay report will be August 21.
South Dakota— In the July 31 report, compared to last report, very good demand for all classes and qualities of hay currently. Drought conditions have not relented, until this week when more widespread rain finally came. Baling of second cutting is completed, third is ready to be cut once the weather clears. Lots of inquiry coming from the west as hay production is very limited in those regions, not much inquiry from the east yet. Grass hay tonnage is greatly reduced from last year, alfalfa has fared much better.
Wyoming— In Aug. 6 report, compared to the last report, hay prices sold steady to 30.00 higher. Demand is very good with a lot of people looking to buy hay within the state. Some hay is going out of state but the bulk is staying in the local market. Some prices may seem low on today ‘s drought market. But producers are trying to help long-term customers and trying not to gouge them on this year’s hay price. Producers are making it work for both parties if possible. Some producers have been getting some irrigation water since the last report but total feet will be a lot shorter than normal. With some irrigation districts shutting off water later this week or next. Most producers are starting on second cutting and some without load control on water will shoot for a third and some may get a 4th if the frost holds off.
Montana— In Aug. 7 report, compared to last report: Hay sold generally steady. Hay continues to see very localized pricing as drought pockets have local producers stretched thin for supplies to usual customers and are asking more for hay as a result. The Northern portion of the state have seen adequate rains and have put up a good crop. Hay continues to be delivered into the state out of Canada and the Dakotas and its forcing some producers to be competitive with pricing. USDA freight assistance programs have also aided ranchers in bringing in hay from surrounding states. Demand for hay remains very good and producers report very good interest from ranchers. Many producers state they have most of their hay already spoken for but have yet to establish a price. Straw is starting to be marketed and good demand has been seen early. Asking prices range from 60.00-80.00 per ton depending on volume purchased. According to the drought monitor 49.29% the state is in Moderate drought or worse, up 3.24% from 2 weeks ago. 17.19% of the state is in an Severe drought or worse, down 4.03% from 2 weeks ago. 0% of the state is in Extreme drought or worse, down 0.61% from 2 weeks ago. 0% of the state is in Expectational drought, unchanged from 2 weeks ago. Notably, 79.05% of the state is abnormally dry, up 2.47% from 2 weeks ago.
All hay markets can be found at https://www.ams.usda.gov/market-news/hay-reports.
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