Hay demand still light, prices mostly steady

Raking hay (Photo: Iowa State University Extension and Outreach)

This past week, demand remained light, and prices were mostly steady, according to the Kansas Department of Agriculture-USDA Market News Service, Nov. 5.

There still is no interest in purchasing hay and loads being delivered is to long term customers and previously contracted. The drought continues to drag on and in Kansas, severe and extreme drought expanded over the southeast while severe drought expanded over the northeast and western portions of the state. Much needed rain did begin to fall over much of the state, starting late last week. Prices are based on averages and given on a per-ton basis, unless otherwise noted.

Southwest—Demand light. Trade activity is slow. Dairy alfalfa, grinding alfalfa and ground and delivered alfalfa prices, steady. Alfalfa: Dairy, $1.05-$1.15/point RFV. Fair/good, grinding alfalfa, large rounds $95-$110, large squares,$95-110. Ground and delivered locally to feed lots and dairies, $140-$150. CRP, large rounds, $60-$70 delivered, Oat hay, large rounds, $100. Cane, large rounds, $40-$50. Teff, large rounds,$100-$110. For the week ending Nov. 2, it was reported 9,798.5 tons of grinding alfalfa and 310 tons of dairy alfalfa was bought or sold.

South central—Demand light. Trade activity is slow. Dairy alfalfa, grinding alfalfa, ground and delivered and alfalfa pellet price, steady. Alfalfa: Dairy $1-$1.10/point RFV. Fair/good grinding alfalfa, large rounds, $95–$105 delivered, 3×4 and 4×4 squares, $100-$110 delivered. Alfalfa ground and delivered, $135-$145. Sun cured alfalfa pellets, 15% protein, $220-$230, 17% protein, $230-$240, 17% dehydrated, $350. Brome, $110-$120. For the week ending Nov. 2, it was reported 6,955.50 tons of grinding alfalfa and 344 tons of dairy alfalfa was bought or sold.

Southeast—Demand light. Trade activity is slow. Dairy Alfalfa and Bluestem hay price remains steady; Brome hay $5 lower. Dairy, $1.10-$1.20/point RFV. Good, stock cow, none reported. Bluestem grass hay, small squares, $160-$180, large rounds, $100 -$110, 3×4 and 4×4 squares, $120-$140. Brome, small squares, $6-$10/bale, large rounds, $95-$105, 3×4 and 4×4 squares, $130-$140. Wheat straw, large squares, $70. For the week ending Nov. 2, it was reported 1,254 tons of grass hay was bought or sold.

Northwest—Little to no demand. Trade activity is slow. Horse alfalfa, $175-$185. Fair/good grinding alfalfa, large rounds, $100.

North central/northeast—Demand light. Trade activity is slow. Dairy alfalfa price, grinding alfalfa, ground and delivered and grass hay all steady. Alfalfa: Dairy $1.10-$1.20/point RFV; Horse or goat alfalfa, small squares, $12/bale. Fair/good, grinding alfalfa, large rounds, $90-$100, 3×4 and 4×4 squares, $120-$130. Alfalfa ground and delivered, $135-$145. Bluestem grass hay, small squares, $8-$9/bale, large rounds, $80-$110. Brome, small squares, $9-$10/bale, large rounds, $100-$120, large 3×4 and 4×4 squares, $130. For the week ending Nov. 2, it was reported 861 tons of grinding alfalfa and 200 tons of dairy alfalfa was bought or sold.

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