State-By-State Hay Markets
A comprehensive, state-by-state snapshot of current hay markets and outlooks.
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. 20 report, according to the latest data from NASS other hay cutting excluding Alfalfa is now complete, although there will no doubt be some fall hay made but that is not tracked. Third cutting of alfalfa is now at 51% complete, 11% behind the 5-yr average. Although pastures in the state are rated better than any other state with a significant cow herd, some areas are starting to get a little dry. Areas that are getting rain seem to get them regularly while a few areas have been missing out. Generally, the southern third of the state, where it doesn’t take long to turn dry with the extreme heat seen the last couple of weeks. The supply of hay is moderate to heavy and hay listed for sale is abundant, especially fair to good quality grass types of hay. hay demand and movement has been light. Hay prices are mostly 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 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 Aug. 21 report, Compared to the last report, demand for hay is high. Due to the drought and cattle prices, cattle producers are calling all hay producers. All types of hay are being moved. All of Oklahoma is seeking rain. We have seen some showers but not enough to affect the drought monitor. Unfortunately, the heat looks like it will be sticking around for the next few days.The next report release will be on Sept. 4.
Texas—In the Aug. 21 report, compared to the last report, hay prices and demand remain steady. The next available hay report will be Sept. 4.
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. 20 report, compared to the last report, hay prices sold fully steady. 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. Producers are trying to help long-term customers and trying not to gouge them on this year’s hay price. Very dry across the whole state and the only green areas are where irrigation water has been applied. Most irrigation districts in west appear to be in good shape for this 2026 growing season. However, most irrigation water is shut down in the eastern area of the state. Moat producers in the west are getting ready or are on second cutting of hay. Some are bailing grass and wheat straw.
Montana— In Aug. 21 report, compared to last report: Hay sold generally steady. Hay continues to see very localized pricing. Hay continues to be delivered out of Canada for mostly 180.00-230.00 depending on freight. The Northern portion of the state have seen adequate rains and have put up a good crop. Most producers have first cutting in the bale and many in Northern Montana are working on putting up second. Southern Montana is working on 3rd. Northern hay yields have been at or under last year, while most other areas are seeing hay yields 30-40% under last year. Hay supplies are very dependent on location as a result, but overall yields have been lower than last year across the board. USDA freight assistance programs have helped ranchers move hay supplies at a reduced freight rate from surrounding states. Some hay is moving out of the state into\ Wyoming as demand for hay in severe drought stricken areas is very good. Demand for hay across the state remains very good. Limited sales were seen this week as producers are busy with grain harvest, hauling livestock or cutting and putting up hay. Many producers state they have most of their hay already spoken for but have yet to establish a price. Many are not concerned with marketing hay knowing most of it is already spoken for. According to the drought monitor 54.59% the state is in Moderate drought or worse, up 5.30% from 2 weeks ago. 17.43% of the state is in an Severe drought or worse, up 0.24% from 2 weeks ago. 4.40% of the state is in Extreme drought or worse, down 0.61% from 2 weeks ago. 4.40% of the state is in Expectational drought, up 4.40% from 2 weeks ago. Notably, 94.31% of the state is abnormally dry, up 15.26% from 2 weeks ago.
All markets can be found at https://www.ams.usda.gov/market-news/hay-reports.
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