State-By-State Hay Markets

Colorado—In July 30 report, compared to the last report, trade activity Moderate. Demand Good to Very Good new crop hay. Small squares of grass sold steady to $1/bale higher this period. Market prices are establishing on straw moving into dairies with the floor getting set at $150/ton FOB due to short supply. Horse hay per bale prices continue to increase as drought conditions worsen and abnormally high temperatures impact hay quality and yield. The next available report will be Aug. 13.

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 30 report, compared to the last report, Alfalfa hay in the Eastern side of the state $20 to $40 per ton higher, alfalfa pellets $20 per ton higher. Grass hay in the Central area of the state $20 to $40 per ton higher. Ground and delivered hay in sold steady to $20 per ton higher. Sun cured alfalfa pellets in the West sold $10 per ton higher. Large squares of Alfalfa sold $20 per ton higher and wheat hay sold $25 per ton higher. Demand was very good especially for hay going out of state and into Wyoming. Ranchers in many areas are willing to pay more for alfalfa hay than dairies are willing to pay for the same quality of hay. Hot, dry, very humid weather the last two weeks has shot the hay market in a sharply higher direction. Spotty rain showers in different areas of the state will help pastures, third cutting alfalfa and other forages make a decent crop at harvest. Talk on dairy hay in right around 1.50 per RFV point sitting at the stack (FOB)

 Oklahoma—In the July 30 report, compared to the last report, hay movement has picked up. Due to the heat, hay producers across the state are having to run their equipment late at night and early in the morning. As a positive part of the heat, central and eastern parts of Oklahoma have been able to put up all types of hay.The next report release will be on Aug. 21.

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 31 report, compared to last report, very good demand for all classes and qualities of hay currently. Drought conditions have not relented, until this week when more widespread rain finally came. Baling of second cutting is completed, third is ready to be cut once the weather clears. Lots of inquiry coming from the west as hay production is very limited in those regions, not much inquiry from the east yet. Grass hay tonnage is greatly reduced from last year, alfalfa has fared much better.

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.

For more information: https://www.ams.usda.gov/market-news/hay-reports

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