State-By-State Hay Markets
Regional hay prices and demand remained generally steady to firm across the Plains and surrounding states in late September and early October. Drought conditions continued to influence hay supplies and livestock feeding needs, particularly in Oklahoma, South Dakota and southern Missouri. Meanwhile, favorable moisture supported additional alfalfa cuttings in parts of Nebraska and Montana. Colorado reported higher prices for premium alfalfa, while rising transportation costs and regional supply differences continued to influence hay movement and pricing.
New Mexico—In Sept. 25 report, compared to the last report, the hay market appeared firm.
Colorado—In Oct. 8 report, compared to the last report, trade activity Moderate. Demand Good to Very Good all markets of new crop hay. Premium small squares of alfalfa sold 25-75 cents/bale higher. Corn Silage harvest is mostly done in northern Colorado with southern Colorado delayed from last week’s rain. Southeast Colorado received between 2-4” of rain last week, stretching from Pueblo to Lamar. 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 Oct. 8 report, compared to the last report all reported forages sold steady. Demand was moderate to good. Alfalfa producers are on either fourth or fifth cutting with producers out west finishing up on third cutting. Some reports in the central area that third cutting alfalfa had more tonnage than first cutting did. Some reports of 1.5 tons per acre. Amazing what water and decent weather can do for a crop! Some producers are bailing cornstalk bales and are somewhat disappointed with the bales per pivot. Several bales less than most years for some reason. Fungus in the stalks is one reason for the lighter bales? Fall harvest of corn and soybeans continues across the state. With several producers happy with bushels per that are rolling in.
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.
For more information: https://www.ams.usda.gov/market-news/hay-reports
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