State-By-State Hay Markets
Regional hay prices remain generally steady to firm as drought conditions, changing supplies and seasonal demand influence markets across the High Plains. Strong demand continues in Oklahoma and drought-affected areas of South Dakota, while improved moisture has eased grazing conditions in parts of Montana. This week’s report examines hay prices, supply and demand across nine states as producers prepare for fall and winter feeding.
New Mexico—In Sept. 25 report, compared to the last report, the hay market appeared firm.
Colorado—In Sept. 24 report, compared to the last report, rade activity Moderate. Demand Good to Very Good all markets of new crop hay. Premium small squares of alfalfa sold 25-40 cents/bale higher and Premium small squares of prairie/meadow grass horse hay sold 50 cents/bale higher. Silage harvest is still underway. The next available report will be Oct. 8.
Missouri—In the Oct. 1 report, Conditions across the state of Missouri are two very different stories. In the north moisture has been plentiful with harvest delays occurring for some. To the south a drastically different story where lack of water and pastures has become a very concerning problem. Hay feeding is taking place, along with some light culling of some herds. At this time there is no overall shortage of hay as spring was good across the state and there was a lot of hay baled. Those in the dry areas however aren’t likely to find anyone local willing to sale much and the high fuel cost makes getting any hay trucked expensive in a hurry. Cooler weather has been a relief but the hopes of fall pasture are fading as each day is one closer to frost and the end of the growing season. 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. 24 report, compared to the last report, bales of alfalfa and grass hay sold steady across the state. Ground and delivered hay in the Central area sold steady to $10 higher, Platte Valley sold steady and in the west sold $20 higher. Sun-cured pellets in the East sold $20 higher. Dehy pellets across the state steady. Demand was moderate to instances good. Several contacts noted demand or buyer inquiry has soften a little in the last two weeks. Silage and high moisture corn continues to get brought into the feedlots. Along with quite a lot of secondary forages getting cut, and now the waiting game of getting it all dried down in order to bale it.
Oklahoma—In the Oct. 2 report, compared to the last report, Demand for hay continues to be high. We have received some rain, but unfortunately it has been too late in the year. All types of hay are being moved to be prepared for fall and winter. Oklahoma is still seeking rain. The next report release will be on Oct. 16.
Texas—In the Oct. 2 report, compared to the last report, hay prices and demand remain good. The next available hay report will be Oct. 16.
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 Oct. 1 report, Compared to the last report all reported forages sold steady. Demand was moderate to instances good. Quite a lot of hay is moving but it was sold earlier in the year and just now getting delivered. Most producers across the state are on third cutting of hay with a few finishing up on second cutting in the Northwest area. Most irrigation districts are shut down on the 2026 water allotments. Several hay producers are helping neighbors with silage chopping across the state. Spotting rain showers since the last report with unseasonal warm weather in the nearby forecast
Montana— In Oct. 2 report, Compared to last report(9-18-26): 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. Some locations are putting up 3rd and 4th cuttings as warm weather and late season rains have allowed for additional cuttings. Many report strong yields on 3rd cutting especially in western and central Montana. 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, especially in southern Montana. High freight costs have caused hay to see localized pricing as delivery costs continue to increase. Some producers continue to report 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. According to the drought monitor 37.77% the state is in Moderate drought or worse, down 9.25% from 2 weeks ago. 13.09% of the state is in an Severe drought or worse, down 5.00% from 2 weeks ago. 4.94% of the state is in Extreme drought or worse, down 0.07% from 2 weeks ago. 0% of the state is in Expectational drought, unchanged from 2 weeks ago. Notably, 61.04% of the state is abnormally dry, down 16.46% from 2 weeks ago.
All markets can be found at https://www.ams.usda.gov/market-news/hay-reports
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