State-By-State Hay Markets

Colorado—In Jan. 16 report, compared to the last report, trade activity light on moderate demand. Prices mostly steady across all hay types. The next available report will be Jan. 29.

Missouri—In the Jan. 7 report, ost livestock owners are enjoying not dealing with mud or having problems getting trucks or tractors started, but in the back of everyone’s mind is the lack of moisture and how much some is needed before the new growing season.Prices seem to have stabilized and 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 Jan. 15 report, compared to the last report all reported hay sales sold steady. Demand is mostly light with instances of moderate demand in some areas of the state. Most hay producers have at least two years’ worth of hay sitting at the field edge. Many producers think the dryness will spark a price increase like it did last spring. Time will tell on that matter. Some hay contacts have decided to retire or switch from alfalfa production back over to row crop farming. Adding more bushels to the pile but one can deliver a load of corn or soybeans during the week and get paid. Where having bales of hay a buyer has to demand to purchase it in order to be paid.

Oklahoma—In the Jan. 16 report, compared to the last report, After the new year, movement has picked up; it’s slow to steady. It is not a turning point for hay growers just yet. The next report release will be on Jan. 30.

Texas—In the Jan. 9 report, compared to the last report, hay prices were steady with good demand. Drought conditions continued to intensify in far south Texas. The next available hay report will be Jan. 23.

 South Dakota— In the Jan. 16 report, compared to last report, Light to moderate demand for all types of hay. Good demand for corn stalks and straw. The winter has been mild, with a lack of snow cover across the majority of the state, but pen conditions have been wet/muddy causing cattle feeders to need to bed with corn stalks which has helped demand for stalks. Plentiful hay supplies and lack of snow is really keeping a damper on the hay market. High testing dairy hay is harder to find, best outlet for that type of hay is out of state however.

Wyoming— In Jan. 8 report, compared to the last report hay sales reported trading steady. Demand is mostly light, instances moderate. Dry, windy conditions continue across the state and some ranchers are afraid hay price will go up this year’s growing season so some are laying in enough hay to get through the winter of 2026-2027. Some hay contacts have decided to retire from the hay productions business as they have sold their ground to the younger generation.

Montana— In Jan. 9 report, compared to  last report, Hay sold mostly 10.00-20.00 higher. Hay in Northern and Western portions of the state have seen supplies tighten over the past few weeks. Many producers in Western Montana report they are sold out of hay for the season. Hay in the southern portions of the state have seen increased demand due to tighter supplies. This has caused prices to rise since the last report. Demand for round bales is very good as many ranchers report that they are hard to find. Hay in rounds are a 10.00-20.00 premium to hay in squares. This is mostly driven by rancher demand. Winter weather conditions have been very mild which has helped curb some demand for hay. While several snow storms accrued over the last few weeks much of that snow melted and was absorbed into the ground as some locations have yet to see the ground completely freeze. According to the drought monitor 19.79 of the state is in Moderate drought or worse, down 27.27% from 4 weeks ago. 8.08 of the state is in an Severe drought or worse, down 12.38% from 4 weeks ago. 1.46% of the state is in Extreme drought or worse, down 2.24% from 4 weeks ago. 0% of the state is in Expectational drought, unchanged from 4 weeks ago. Notably, 51.39% of the state is abnormally dry, down 13.37% from 4 weeks ago.