State-By-State Hay Markets
Colorado—In Feb. 26 report, compared to the last report, trade activity light on moderate demand. Prices mostly steady across all hay types. Dairies are starting to put offers out on 2026 corn silage and alfalfa haylage. The next available report will be Mar. 12.
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. 26 report, compared to the last report hay traded mostly steady on all classes. Ground hay offers are steady. Demand was mostly moderate. Farmers are starting to push back on offers as dry weather and drought levels continue to increase with heavy winds and warm temperatures contributing to current conditions..
Oklahoma—In the Feb. 27 report, compared to the last report, ovement has been steady. We do see continued movement due to the drought. We are supposed to see some moisture move across Oklahoma. Drought worsens; 100 percent of the state has some form of drought. The next report release will be on Mar. 13.
Texas—In the Feb. 20 report, compared to the last report, hay prices remain steady with good demand and tight supplies. The next available hay report will be Mar. 6.
South Dakota— In the Feb. 27 report, compared to last report, Light demand for all classes of hay currently. The lack of winter weather has greatly reduced the need for hay as livestock are not consuming as much as they normally would have to during harsher winter weather. Large amounts of carryover, albeit lower quality hay, are reported across the region. Dairy operators are resistant to prices as they have included other feed ingredients into their rations to meet protein needs. Winter storm forecast for the weekend, though just a narrow band but the 14 day forecast looks to have more moisture chances, which would be welcomed. Drought conditions are expanding across the southern half of the state.
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.
