State-By-State Hay Summary
Colorado—In the July 22 report, compared to last week, trade activity moderate on good demand. Hay prices firm in the droughted out regions of the state. According to the USDA NASS Colorado Crop Progress report for week ending July 18, the second cutting of alfalfa is 40% harvested with stored feed supplies rated 14% very short, 23% short, 50% adequate, and 13% surplus.
Missouri—In the July 21 report, compared to last report, the supply of hay is moderate and demand is light to moderate and prices mostly steady. A fairly quite week around the state. Temperatures have been warm but not at all unreasonable for late July. The sun has been shinning about every day and those growing degrees are much welcomed especially in the north half of the state that has seen so much moisture on crops and pastures, some of which still have standing water in areas.
Nebraska—In the July 22 report, compared to last week, alfalfa and grass hay sold mostly steady. Ground and delivered forages and dehydrated alfalfa pellets steady. Demand backed off a tick this week as spotty rain showers across the state has taken some urgency from procuring hay. Most producers are done with second cutting of alfalfa. Meadow and grass hay in full production with many reports of tonnage equal to a little better than previous year. Most dryland fields of alfalfa should have a good third cutting with the recent rains and hopefully future rains this summer. Most cornfields are in full tassel across the central to eastern areas.
Oklahoma—In the July 23 report, compared to last report July 8, hay trade remains steady in most areas with some areas slowing. Many producers are moving hay to their yearly buyers, but day to day trade has slowed down. With the recent rainfall and warmer temperatures there has been an increase in the hay supply, which is slowing the demand for some of the higher quality hay. Many producers have completed their third cutting of alfalfa, and with the recent moisture they are looking to have a good fourth cutting soon. Hay trade for the dairy market and grinding hay has slowed some with silage coming in soon. The weather is expected to be warmer and mostly dry in the coming week.
Texas—In the July 23 report, compared to the last report, hay prices are mostly steady to weak. Trading activity and demand have slowed down due to pasture improvements from recent rainfalls. Cattle producers have taken advantage of improved grazing and have followed the market signals to hold onto their calves through the fall as long as the pastures permit. However, hay producers have noted increased inquiries into hay for fall and winter delivery but they have not been able to settle in on a price just yet. Hay yields are looking good across the state but areas across the south have been slow to get first cutting out due to excessive moisture in the fields. Cooler than average temperatures coupled with increased moisture has created a influx of Army worms in portions of the north, central, east and southern regions of the state. Due to limited sales and price changes this report will be released bi-weekly until more volumes of hay is moving. Next report release will be Aug. 6.
New Mexico—In the July 23 report, compared to last week, alfalfa hay prices steady to weak. Beardless wheat steady on limited supplies. Trade and demand moderate. The southern and southwestern part of New Mexico are on the fourth cutting. The eastern part of the state are on the third cutting. The northern part of the state are in the 2nd cutting. Heavy rain continues to the north and eastern part of the state. Some areas across the state are at a standstill due to recent or previous moisture. Some hay being chopped due to wet conditions. Rain damaged hay reported at a discount.
South Dakota—In the July 23 report, compared to last week, all classes of hay firm. Very good demand remains for all classes and types of hay as the drought conditions have persisted through the growing season. There has been some rain since the fourth of July which has helped the growth of alfalfa for a third cutting East River. Dryland hay is very limited amongst much of central and western South Dakota as the hot and dry conditions prevented grass from growing tall enough to make it worth the effort to cut and bale it. There is much concern amongst hay users that supplies will not be adequate this year, this has caused demand to be much greater than it normally is for this time of year.
Wyoming—In the July 22 report, compared to last week, all hay sold fully steady. Demand was very good. Quite a lot of hay continues to go out of state with several loads staying in the local market. Hot dry weather continues in most areas with other parts of the state getting some rain. Some contacts have started second cutting of hay. Most contacts think they will get a decent third cutting. Hay continues to move right out of the field. Many reports from producers that their hay barn is mostly empty. Another concern for many ranchers and producers in the availability of water. Many little water sources are dry, and cattlemen are having to haul water for livestock needs. Plus, some irrigation districts are cutting water supplies back for the rest of the growing season.
Montana—In the July 23 report, compared to two weeks ago, hay sold unevenly steady. Demand good over the past two weeks on light supplies as a lot of producers sold out on 1st cutting and are currently putting up 2nd cutting. Drought conditions continue to worsen across the state with increases seen in D3 and D4 categories. Cattlemen that produce hay are not selling with anticipation that they will likely use all the hay they produce for their own herds. Demand from horse hay buyers is also very good.
