Compared to the last report, overall alfalfa hay and grass hay were mostly steady while movement remains slow, according to the Kansas Department of Agriculture-USDA Market News Service, May 17.
USDA reports May 1 hay stocks are down 26% percent compared to this time last year, corroborating some producers’ stories of depleted stocks and low movement. Although some regions are seeing optimistic rebound in the alfalfa crop due to the return of rain and heat, drought continues to intensify in Southwest Kansas, leaving producers concerned about the coming summer. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor for May 10, abnormally dry conditions decreased to 5%, moderate drought remained near 20%, severe drought slightly decreased to 27%, extreme drought remained near 16%, and exceptional drought increased to 2%. Prices are based on averages and are given on a per-ton basis, unless otherwise noted.
Southwest:
Dairy alfalfa, ground and delivered, grinding alfalfa steady, movement slow. Premium horse alfalfa, small squares old crop, $7-$8/ bale. Dairy 1.05-1.10/point RFV, supreme, $200-$255, premium, $180-$205, good, $155-$185. Stock or dry cow, $195-$205. Grinding alfalfa, $190-$200, new crop, $195-$205 delivered. Ground and delivered locally to feed lots and dairies, $210-$220. Bluestem grass hay, small squares, $8-$9/bale. Brome, large rounds, $180-$190 delivered. Corn stalks, large rounds, $80-$90. For the week ending May 14, 4,699 tons of grinding alfalfa and 425 tons of dairy alfalfa was reported bought or sold.
South central:
Dairy alfalfa, grinding alfalfa, ground and delivered, alfalfa pellets steady, movement slow. Horse alfalfa, small squares, $255-$275. Dairy 1.05-1.10/point RFV, supreme, $195-$250, new crop, $215-$230. Premium, $180-$210, good, $155-$185. Good stock cow, $180-$200. New crop, $215-$225. Fair/good grinding alfalfa, $160-$175 delivered. New crop, $185-$195. Ground and delivered, $190-$200, new crop, $200-$210. Sun-cured alfalfa pellets, 15% protein, $235-$250, 17% protein, $240-$260, dehydrated 17% protein, $310-$315. Bluestem grass hay, large 3×4 squares, $105-$115, small squares, $7-$8/bale. Brome, large rounds, $90-$100, large 3×4 squares, $85-$95. For the week ending May 14, 4,354 tons of grinding alfalfa and 126 tons of dairy alfalfa was reported bought or sold.
Southeast:
Dairy alfalfa, grass hay, grinding alfalfa steady, movement slow. Horse or goat alfalfa, $260-$270. Dairy 1-1.05/point RFV. Good, stock cow, $180-$190. Fair/good grinding alfalfa, $155-$165, new crop, $175-$200. Ground and delivered, none reported. Bluestem grass hay, small squares, $120-$125, good 3×4 squares, $100-$120, large rounds, $70-$85. Brome, 3×4 and 4×4 squares, $120-$140. For the week ending May 14, 928 tons of grass hay was reported bought or sold.
Northwest:
Dairy alfalfa, grinding alfalfa steady, movement slow. Horse or goat alfalfa, small squares, $300-$400 delivered, 3×4 squares, $250-$260. Dairy, Premium/Supreme 1.05-1.10/point RFV. Stock cow, fair/good, $185-$195. Fair/good grinding alfalfa, $170-$185. Sudan, utility large rounds, $80-$90.
North central/northeast:
Dairy alfalfa steady, grass hay, grinding alfalfa, ground/delivered steady, movement slow to moderate. Premium horse alfalfa, small squares, $9-$10/bale. Dairy 1.05-1.10/point RFV, supreme, $195-$250, premium, $180-$205, good, $160-$190. Stock cow, $160-$170. Fair/good, grinding alfalfa, $155-165, new crop, $160-$180; ground and delivered, $170-$180. Bluestem grass hay, large 3×4 squares, $130-$140 delivered, 3×3 squares, $100-$110, good large rounds, $85-$100. Brome, large rounds, $90-$105. For the week ending May 14, 4,142 tons of grinding alfalfa and 600 tons of dairy alfalfa was reported bought or sold.
Source: Kansas Department of Agriculture-USDA Market News Service, Manhattan, Kansas.
