State-By-State Hay Markets
Colorado—In Feb. 12 report, compared to the last report, rade activity light on moderate demand. Prices mostly steady across all hay types. . The next available report will be Feb. 26.
Missouri—In the Feb. 19 report, several areas of the state received some much need moisture over the last week. Drought conditions are still slightly concerning, but everyone knows this situation can quickly change before growing season starts. Although there could and likely will still be more winter to come recent weather hasn’t felt like it. Record highs have some daffodils blooming and peeper frogs peeping. The supply of hay is moderate to heavy for this point in the feeding season, there is some movement taking place, but no one is really having to look very hard to find hay. Prices continue to be mostly steady even with the thoughts of spring, abundant supplies, and cheap corn. 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 Feb. 12 report, compared to the last report, round bales of grass and alfalfa sold steady, Large square bales in the west sold $10 to $20 higher. Ground hay in the central area sold steady to $5 lower. Ground hay in the Platte valley sold steady and ground cornstalks sold $5 higher. Ground hay out west sold steady. Demand was mostly moderate, instances good. Some sellers are thinking hay will creep up a tick and out west it has started that upward movement this week. In others area of the state the baled hay market is stagnate. Some hay producers are just now getting all of the 2024 hay off the place and are trying to sell their 2025 hay. Looks like their will be a rather large carry over of hay east of Lexington to the Missouri river, roughly that area. Some hay producers are thinking of tearing up established fields to plant into a row crop with other hay producers thinking of adding a pivot or two of spring planted alfalfa.
Oklahoma—In the Feb. 20 report, compared to the last report, Hay prices remain steady with good demand and tight supplies. According to the US Drought Monitor, Intensifying dryness in the latter area prompted the introduction of exceptional drought (D4) in parts of Jim Hogg and Brooks Counties. D4 already existed in part of interior northeastern Arkansas and the southernmost reaches of the Texas Big Bend. The next available hay report will be March 6, 2026.
Texas—In the Feb. 6 report, compared to the last report, hay prices were steady with good demand. The next available hay report will be Feb. 20.
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 Feb. 19 report, compared to the last report hay sales sold fully steady. Demand was good especially from out of state buyers with hay going almost to the east coast. Drought conditions and snow pack was on the minds of all contacts. Some water shed districts have already said that they will limit days of water this summer with some districts may not run at this time. Unless, good Ole Mother Nature drops much needed snow or even some slow, soaking rain showers this spring. Per NRCS/WRDS, Currently the state’s SNOTELs are reading 79% of median with a basin high of 110% and a basin low of 3%. Last year the state was at 98%, and at 86% in 2024
Montana— In Feb. 20 report, compared to last report, hay sold mostly steady. Hay supplies in central Montana continue to tighten as hay is being purchased to ship north along the highline and west to ranches in drought stricken areas. Many are buying hay in these areas as insurance in case the open, dry winter turns into an all out extreme drought. Cattlemen have a lot of cash tied up in new cow purchases or in replacement heifers and don’t want to have to sell if drought conditions push hay prices sharply higher. Many producers still have cows out grazing which has drastically reduced the use of hay this winter but hay supplies have tightened as ranchers buy up hay to store and use if needed. Due to tight irrigation last summer and dry conditions, hay along the highline has been in tight supply. Many producers are purchasing hay in Central Montana to ship north. Delivered prices remain north of $200/ton with most sales ranging from 210.00-235.00. Hay in rounds remains tight and hay continues to sell at a strong 10.00-20.00 premium to hay in squares. A few loads of Dairy hay moved this week but demand for dairy quality hay has been light. Hay from Billings east has been a harder sell as other competing feed options have allowed ranchers to keep feed costs low. Many producers still have excess grain hay they need to sell and last late fall rains turned tons of malt barley into feed barely. Some of this is being offered from $2.25-2.60/bushel. According to the drought monitor 53.57 of the state is in Moderate drought or worse, up 22.28% from 2 weeks ago. 13.22% of the state is in an Severe drought or worse, up 3.52% from 2 weeks ago. 4.17% of the state is in Extreme drought or worse, up 2.71% from 2 weeks ago. 0% of the state is in Expectational drought, unchanged from 2 weeks ago. Notably, 90.05% of the state is abnormally dry, up 26.78% from 2 weeks ago.
