State-By-State Hay Markets
New Mexico—In May 8 report, compared to the last report, the hay market appeared steady to firm.
Colorado—In May 7 report, compared to the last report, trade activity Very Light. Demand Good to Very Good on both old crop and new crop hay. Feedlots in northeast Colorado are contracting new crop alfalfa upwards of $70/ton over what 2026 alfalfa standing prices would have penciled out in the bale. Recent rain/snow accumulations across multiple regions of the state was welcomed but will only have short term impact. The next available report will be May 21.
Missouri—In the May 14 report, Although not in full swing, several more producers are getting into the hay fields now, especially in areas with less grain production. Although Memorial Weekend is typically when haying gets really busy, some late frost along with warmer than average weather has many of the grasses maturing ahead of schedule. Yields were affected by the cold snaps but still way better than some surrounding states. As of the latest report 80 percent of pastures in the state were rated good to excellent, with 79 percent of the state drought free. More hay is coming to the market this week as new crop arrives and still some trying to clean out old crop. Hay prices are steady. Demand is light and supplies are moderate. 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 May 7 report, compared to the last report, lfalfa pellets in the eastern side sold 10.00 higher. Bales of alfalfa in the platte valley and central areas sold steady to 20.00 higher. Grass hay sold fully steady. Ground and delivered hay steady. Ground and delivered hay in the west sold 25.00 higher, alfalfa pellets sold 20.00 higher and bales sold 20.00 higher. Demand and buyer inquiry was good. Contacts stated that phones have been busy and buyers are trying to contract large amounts of hay before its even in the bale. Some hay is priced a lot higher than what is quoted in this report but has yet to be confirmed sold. All sale are quoted FOB unless otherwise noted.
Oklahoma—In the May 8 report, compared to the last report, movement is moderate to steady for this time of year. 2026 new crop hay is being sold. Hay growers are trying to find their footing in pricing trends. Still have a lot of 2025 hay waiting to be sold, too. The next report release will be on May 22.
Texas—In the May 15 report, compared to the last report, hay prices remain steady. The next available hay report will be May 29.
South Dakota— In the Apr. 10 report, compared to last report, 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, April 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 May 15 report, ay sold mostly 10.00-15.00 higher. Hay supplies across the state are very light and demand is very good. Hay prices continue to increase as ranchers search for hay. Conditions across the state remain dry and both producers and ranchers continue to show concern for hay availability. Lower quality hay continues to see strong demand as ranchers search for hay to feed cows while they wait for there to be enough grass to turn out. Spring rain and snow showers were very light across much of the state, however some western mountain snow was seen this past week as a system clipped the northern and Northwestern portions of the state. Dry and dusty conditions were seen this week across much of Northeastern Montana with some roads closed on Thursday due to low visibility from blowing dust. No new crop contracts were seen this week as producers were overwhelmed with interest for hay. Most producers took a back seat and decided to wait to see how much hay they can produce and how the market develops over the next few weeks. Producers in Northeastern Montana report large swaths of winter kill due the January ice storm. There is a major concern over how much hay will be produced this summer. Many irrigation districts have already announced they will have a very short irrigation season due to low river and stream flows. This, coupled with drought conditions and heavy winter kill will limit the volume of hay produced. According to the drought monitor 59.58% of the state is in Moderate drought or worse, up 2.40% from 2 weeks ago. 32.64% of the state is in an Severe drought or worse, up 4.34% from 2 weeks ago. 6.08% of the state is in Extreme drought or worse, up 0.91% from 2 weeks ago. 0% of the state is in Expectational drought, unchanged from 2 weeks ago. Notably, 87.34% of the state is abnormally dry, down 6.94% from 2 weeks ago.
