Alfalfa demand moderate, light for grass hay in Kansas

Compared to the last report, demand was moderate for alfalfa but remained light for grass hay, according to the Kansas Department of Agriculture-USDA Market News Service, March 12. 

Open weather, greening pastures and lower cattle numbers have all contributed to the lower demand. Prices are based on averages and given on a per-ton basis, unless otherwise noted.

Southwest—Trade activity is slow. Dairy alfalfa prices are steady. Grinding alfalfa, large squares $5 lower, large rounds steady. Ground and delivered alfalfa price steady. Alfalfa: Dairy, $1.35-$1.45/point RFV. Fair/good grinding alfalfa, large rounds, $120-$130, large 3×4’s and 4×4 squares, $145-$155. Ground and delivered locally to feed lots and , $205-$215. Sun-cured alfalfa pellets, 15% protein, $295-305, 17% protein, $305-$315. Bluestem grass hay, small squares, $8/bale, bluestem CRP, large rounds, $75/ton. Corn stalks, 3×4 squares, $100 delivered. Sudan, large 4×4 squares, $110-$115 delivered. For the week ending March 9, 4,802 tons of grinding alfalfa and 525 tons of dairy alfalfa was reported bought or sold.

South central—Trade activity is slow to moderate. Dairy alfalfa prices are steady. Grinding alfalfa $5 lower and Ground and delivered alfalfa prices steady. Alfalfa pellet steady to $5 lower. Horse alfalfa, small squares, $13-$15/bale; Dairy $1.35-$1.45/point RFV. Good stock cow, $225-$235. Fair/good grinding alfalfa, large rounds, $150–$160 delivered, 3×4 and 4×4 squares, $155-$165 delivered. Alfalfa ground and delivered, $190-$200. Sun-cured alfalfa pellets, 15% protein, $290-$300, 17% protein, $300-$310, dehydrated 17% protein, $400-$405. Bluestem grass hay, small squares, $200, large rounds, $100-$120. Sudan, large rounds, $70-$80. For the week ending March 9, 6,646.5 tons of grinding alfalfa and 1,050 tons of dairy alfalfa was reported bought or sold.

Southeast—Trade activity is slow. Dairy alfalfa price is steady. Bluestem and brome hay price steady. Dairy $1.35-$1.45/point RFV. Good stock cow, $200-$220. Fair/good grinding alfalfa, large 3×4 squares, $185-$195. Bluestem grass hay, small squares, $200-$205, large rounds, $140-$150, large 3×4 and 4×4 squares, $160-$170. Brome, small squares, $200-$205, large 3×4 and 4×4 squares, $180-$200. Corn stalks, large rounds, $55-$65. For the week ending March 9, 1,038 tons of grass hay was reported bought or sold.

Northwest—Trade activity is slow. Dairy alfalfa, grinding alfalfa prices are steady. Horse alfalfa, small squares, $13.25/bale. Dairy, Premium/Supreme $1.40-$1.50/point RFV. Good stock cow, $200-$230. Good alfalfa, 3×3 squares, $200; premium, 3×3 squares, $280. Fair/good grinding alfalfa, $180-$200. Sudan, large rounds, $60-$70.

North central/northeast—Trade activity is slow. Dairy alfalfa, steady. Grinding alfalfa steady. Ground and delivered steady. Grass hay steady. Alfalfa: Dairy $1.40-$1.50/point RFV. Stock cow, large 3×4 squares, $200-$230. Fair/good, grinding alfalfa, large rounds, $145-$155, large 3×4 squares, $160-$170. Alfalfa ground and delivered, $200-$210, alfalfa/sudan mix ground and delivered, $195-$205. Bluestem grass hay, small squares, $7-$8/bale, large rounds, $135-$145, large 3×4 and 4×4 squares, $175-$185. Brome, large rounds, $160-$170, large square 3×4 and 4×4’s $170-$180. Corn stalks: $60-$70. Milo stalks: $75-$85. Soybean stalks: large rounds $85-$95. Wheat straw: large rounds and large squares, $105-$115. For the week ending March 9, 165 tons of grinding alfalfa and 342 tons of dairy alfalfa was reported bought or sold.

Source: Kansas Department of Agriculture-USDA Market News Service, Manhattan, Kansas.