State-By-State Hay Markets

A comprehensive hay market report and state-by-state snapshot of current hay markets and outlooks.

New Mexico—In Sept. 11 report, compared to the last report, the hay market appeared firm.

Colorado—In Sept. 10 report, compared to the last report, trade activity Moderate. Demand Good to Very Good all markets of new crop hay. Premium small squares of mixed grass sold unevenly steady and Premium 3×3’s of mixed grass horse hay sold $10/bale lower. Premium 3×3’s of alfalfa sold $5/bale higher. Silage harvest is in full swing across the state. Some yields are coming in 5-8 ton/acre lower than last year.  The next available report will be Sept. 24.

Missouri—In the Sept. 18 report, Summer keeps dragging on and extreme heat continues to set over the state. Areas in the northern half of the state have seen some moisture and improvements in drought conditions but southwest and south central remain very dry with some areas in D3 or Extreme Drought. Some hay feeding is taking place and concerns with water are present. Even more so is the fear the days will tick away and the growing season will end before there is any fall pasture growth if moisture doesn’t arrive soon. Corn harvest is in full swing and the state passed the halfway mark this week, beans are just getting started in a few areas. The supply of hay is moderate to heavy and hay listed for sale is abundant, especially fair to good quality grass types of hay. Hay demand and movement have been light to moderate. Hay prices are steady to firm. 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 Sept. 10 report, compared to the last report, Dehy alfalfa in the east sold $30 higher. Ground and delivered hay in the Platte Valley and Central areas sold steady to $10 higher. Bales of hay sold fully steady to instances $20 higher. Hay out west sold steady. Demand was mostly good. Semi loads of hay continue to head west, mostly going to out of state buyers.

Oklahoma—In the Sept. 18 report, compared to the last report, nothing has changed. Demand for hay is still high. Due to the drought and cattle prices, cattle producers are calling all hay producers. All types of hay are being moved. Oklahoma is still seeking rain. Fortunately, we do see some rain and cooler temperatures in the forecast. The next report release will be on Oct. 2.

Texas—In the Sept. 18 report, compared to the last report, hay prices and demand remain steady. The next available hay report will be Oct. 2.

 South Dakota— In the Sept. 4 report, compared to last report, Good to very good demand for all classes of hay. Best demand is coming from western South Dakota where the drought has been severe and little hay was made this year. Grass hay supplies are limited as the weather wasn’t conducive to growing grass as it was dry during April and May. Drought has gripped the eastern side of the state as well, some areas are very short and made substantially less hay than normal, while in others spots the alfalfa produced pretty well.

Wyoming— In Sept. 17 report, compared to the last report, most hay prices of baled hay sold steady. Sun-cured hay pellets traded steady. Alfalfa hay cubes sold steady to $10 higher. Demand was good to instances very good across the state. Some hay getting exported out of the state in small square bales. With a lot of hay getting brough into the state to ranchers from surrounding states and farther away. Spotty rain showers up in the Western areas of the state the last few days. Getting just enough rain to make it tough to put up dry hay..

Montana— In Sept. 4 report, compared to last report, hay sold generally steady. Demand for hay is mostly moderate to good. Supplies are mostly moderate. Demand for hay has lightened some as fall rains have helped improve late season grazing conditions in some locations and heavier available supplies have lighten demand. Some locations still remain dry and many worry they will have to feed hay as early as October. Hay in the northern half of the state remains a discount to southern hay as sellers compete with hay coming out of Canada and across highway 2 from North Dakota. Most of this hay continues to be delivered for 180.00-230.00 depending on freight and quality. Demand for hay to ship into Wyoming is good to very good as drought conditions continue to be seen. Conditions have improved over the last few weeks as some late summer rains have been seen. Many producers are selling hay south as hay prices in Wyoming are a strong premium to Montana prices. Producers are trying to put up 3rd cutting but are having a tough time finding a window without rain in the forecast. Some producers report some excess loads of hay available as some buyers backed out of spoken for hay as lower prices in surrounding states and Canada eased supply concerns. Demand for straw is good to very good and supplies are light. Many report finding straw is difficult as many producers opted to spread it instead of baling it this year. Straw sold with higher undertones in a narrow comparison. 

All markets can be found at https://www.ams.usda.gov/market-news/hay-reports

To contact us: hpj.com/contact/