State-By-State Hay Markets
Colorado—In Apr. 9 report, compared to the last report, trade activity light on moderate to good demand. Prices mostly steady on horse hay trades. The next available report will be Apr. 23.
Missouri—In the Apr. 16 report, Rains have greatly improved conditions for the northern 2/3 of the state The case is much different in southern 1/3 however as it remains very dry with much of the far SE in severe to extreme drought. Planting of grain crops has been fairly slow due to scattered rains, most producers have gotten fertilizer spread. Several farmers waiting for a window to start wrapping some hay but thus far no reports of any being done but it wouldn’t be surprising if there has been a least a few bales wrapped at this point. Hay prices are steady to weak for the more common quality hay, higher end hay remains fully 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 Apr. 9 report, compared to the last report, entral and eastern areas round bales of alfalfa and prairie grass hay sold steady. Ground and delivered hay steady. Alfalfa pellets sold steady to $10 higher. In the west, ground and delivered hay steady with sun-cured alfalfa pellets $30 higher. Round bales of alfalfa in the Platte Valley sold $25 to $30 higher, ground and delivered hay $10 higher, ground and delivered cornstalks $5 higher. Alfalfa pellets sold steady. Demand was good. Sporadic rain showers in some areas of the state since the last report. Most areas west of Lexington have not received any measurable amounts of moisture.
Oklahoma—In the Apr. 10 report, compared to the last report, movement is steady. Some rain is in sight, but it has had a limited impact due to the high temperatures and high wind speeds. Need the rain for hay fields, wheat pasture, and cow pastures to bounce back from the drought. Drought is steady at 100 percent of the state has some form of drought. The next report release will be on Apr. 24.
Texas—In the Apr. 17 report, compared to the last report, ay prices remain steady with good demand. The next available hay report will be May 1.
South Dakota— In the Apr. 10 report, compared to last report, Good demand for grass hay currently, light to moderate demand for alfalfa. Good interest from beef cattle operations looking to buy grass hay, not near the interest in buying alfalfa currently. Large dairy operations continue to feed haylage, which is keeping the alfalfa market under some pressure. Warmer temps and some rain in the forecast for the weekend and the start of next week. Good demand for cornstalks yet.
Wyoming— In Apr. 15 report, compared to the last report, bales of alfalfa grass and pellets sold steady. Demand was good. Quite a few people calling and looking for hay to purchase. Hay contacts are sold out of 2025 hay and are waiting to start the new crop hay probably the last week in May if every works out correctly. Irrigation water is the big topic on the hay calls. Some areas will have normal amounts of water and other districts are limiting the amount of water and the days to use it. Released on Monday, Apr. 13, the state’s SNOTELs are reading 46% of median with a basin high of 88% and a basin low of 0%. Last year the state was at 91%, and at 97% in 2024. Lack of snow fall this year is what has put the halt on the irrigation water for this growing season. Hopefully good Ole Mother Nature will bring the rains to grow the grass, hay and replenish the water in lakes and reservoirs. Next report will the first part of June.
Montana— In Apr. 17 report, ay sold mostly steady. Hay supplies across the state have tightened significantly. According to the drought monitor, 57.04% of the state is in Moderate drought or worse, down 8.54% from 2 weeks ago. 28.30% of the state is in an Severe drought or worse, up 7.11% from 2 weeks ago. 1.90% of the state is in Extreme drought or worse, down 2.06% from 2 weeks ago. 0% of the state is in expectational drought, unchanged from 2 weeks ago. Notably, 93.49% of the state is abnormally dry, down 0.02% from 2 weeks ago.
