State-By-State Hay Markets

Colorado—In July 16 report, compared to the last report, trade activity Moderate. Demand Good to Very Good on both old crop and new crop hay. Premium 3×3’s of mixed grass hay sold steady to $4/bale higher. Small squares of prairie/meadow grass sold 50 cents/bale higher this period. Little movement reported on new trades in the feedlot and dairy hay markets. New crop activity picking up on new crop horse hay sales for small squares and 3×3’s. The next available report will be July 30.

Missouri—In the July 23 report, after several suitable days for field work, producers across the state are back in line with average pace of hay harvest now. Pastures across the state are still in very good condition for the end of July, as of the latest report 76 percent of the state was rated good to excellent and 21% fair. 84% of the state shows as drought free on the latest drought monitor. Many listings for hay on the market now and movement is average for this time of year. Hay prices are steady to weak. Hay demand is light, and supplies are moderate to heavy. 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 July 16 report, compared to the last report, alfalfa across the state sold fully steady. Native prairie grass sold steady to 20.00 higher. Ground and delivered hay steady except in the west sold $40 per ton higher. Dehy and Sun-cured pellets steady. Demand was good. Dry weather across the state this week has let hay producers put up tons of good to premium native grass and alfalfa hay. Native meadow grass production producing around 60% to 75% of normal year with a few reports of fertilized, native sub irrigated meadows at near normal production. Some hay producers are on second cutting of alfalfa with others in the east getting ready for third cutting. Second cutting tonnage has been better than first cutting in several areas especially on irrigated ground.

Oklahoma—In the July 17 report, hay movement has slowed to a standstill. The next report release will be on July 31.

Texas—In the July 24 report, compared to the last report, hay prices and demand remain steady. The next available hay report will be August 7.

South Dakota— In the July 17 report, compared to last report, Very good demand for all classes and qualities of hay currently. Drought conditions continue to grip much of the state, resulting in decreased supplies of forage. Dairies are making their third cutting as they are chopping it this week, second cutting of dry alfalfa production is nearing completion. Hot weather has gripped the region for the last few weeks, rain is greatly needed.

Wyoming— In July 23 report, compared to the last report, movement was slow but demand was good. Most hay producers have been getting a lot of calls from all over the nation and are shipping quite a lot of hay out of state mostly in small squares. Some producers have been getting some irrigation water since the last report but total feet will be a lot shorter than normal. Tonnage was mostly light on the first cutting in most reporting areas.

Montana— In July 24 report, compared to last report: Hay sold unevenly steady. The hay market is struggling to find its footing as hay saw very localized pricing. Producers in heavily drought stricken areas are able to ask higher prices as they have tighter supplies available locally. Couple this with higher fuel and transportation costs and large price spreads are being seen across the state. Demand for hay is good to very good. Hay movement the past two weeks was lighter as many producers are busy trying to put up hay and have not marketed anything as a result. Many producers state they have most of their hay already spoken for but have yet to establish a price. Lots of hay continues to be delivered into the state, mainly out of Canada and the Dakotas where rains have been more plentiful. Hay along the highline is lower as a result as these producers are competing with hay being delivered out of these locations. Several producers have grass hay priced under $200/ton along the highline as they are competing with hay being delivered out of Canada for $180 delivered. USDA freight assistance programs have also aided ranchers in bringing in hay from surrounding states. Rains have been helpful and timely in many locations as they have helped keep grass and range conditions from completely burning up. According to the drought monitor 46.05% the state is in Moderate drought or worse, down 6.86% from 2 weeks ago. 21.22% of the state is in an Severe drought or worse, up 0.64% from 2 weeks ago. 0.61% of the state is in Extreme drought or worse, unchanged from 2 weeks ago. 0% of the state is in Expectational drought, unchanged from 2 weeks ago. Notably, 76.58% of the state is abnormally dry, down 9.32% from 2 weeks ago.