State-By-State Hay Markets
A comprehensive state-by-state snapshot of current hay markets and outlooks.
New Mexico—In Oct. 23 report, compared to the last report, the hay market appeared firm.
Colorado—In Oct. 23 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, alfalfa/grass mix, mixed grass, and prairie/meadow grass sold 25-50 cents/bale higher. Premium alfalfa 3×3’s sold $20/bale higher this period. With corn silage harvest wrapping up, farmers have moved on to forage sorghum for silage and bales. The next available report will be Nov. 5.
Missouri—In the Oct. 29 report, Dryness continues to persist in the southern half of the state with much of southwest and south central still in D3 or D4 drought status. Most of the state north of I70 is drought free and in far better shape. Hay movement and demand has been moderate, especially in the south were many are having to feed some already. 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. 22 report, compared to the last report, trade activity was light due to farmers harvesting corn and soybeans. Demand good on all forages. Alfalfa ground and delivered prices unchanged. Dehydrated and sun-cured pellets of alfalfa prices remained unchanged. There were no comparable trades on all types of hay this period.
Oklahoma—In the Oct. 30 report, compared to the last report, not much has changed; the demand for hay still remains high. We continue to see all types of hay being moved in preparation for fall and winter. Hay movement has slowed down due to the rain.. The next report release will be on Nov. 13.
Texas—In the Oct. 30 report, compared to the last report, hay prices and demand remain good. The next available hay report will be Nov. 13.
South Dakota— In the Oct. 16 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. 29 report, compared to the last report, ll prices are steady. Demand was moderate. Some previously spoken loads of hay have been turned back by out of state buyers due to the increase of diesel fuel and freight charges they can not afford to ship the hay halfway across the USA anymore. These buyers like to purchase WY high elevation hay as its put up right with no bleaching and the horse owners on the other end that purchase the hay love the color and quality of the product. These customers have been buying hay from western WY for 10 or more years.
Montana— In Oct. 30 report, compared to last report(10-16-26): Hay sold generally steady. Demand for hay is mostly moderate. Supplies are mostly moderate. Producers continue to put up 3rd and even 4th cutting in some locations. Fall rains have been very beneficial to pasture and range conditions as many ranchers report plentiful supplies of fall grass and feed for cows which are turned out. This has lightened demand for hay as most ranchers plan on leaving cows turned out and off hay as long as possible. 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. Hay that was purchased earlier in the fall is starting to ship south as the Fred Robinson Bridge near Hilger, MT has reopened, allowing hay to move south off the highline. Canadian hay also continues to be offered delivered into northern and central Montana from 160.00-200.00. Hay is very locally priced as freight costs are high to move from stack to ranch. Hay in southern Montana remains a strong premium to hay purchased in Northern Montana. According to the drought monitor 19.19% the state is in Moderate drought or worse, down 1.33% from 2 weeks ago. 11.36% of the state is in an Severe drought or worse, unchanged from 2 weeks ago. 4.93% 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, 36.60% of the state is abnormally dry, down 3.24% from 2 weeks ago.
All markets can be found at https://www.ams.usda.gov/market-news/hay-reports
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