Hay Market Demand and Price Report for the Upper Midwest

 Demand and Sales Comments

As mentioned in the last report, there are limited sales as many are only having one auction a month. Prices are on a steady trend. Lower quality is discounted at the market. Drought concerns are spoken of, but really haven’t impacted hay sales at this time. If you have questions on this report contact richard.halopka@wisc.edu . If you need forage or have forage to sell or straw, connect to the Farmer-to-Farmer website. You may contact your local county agriculture educator if you need help placing an ad. There is no charge for the service.

Straw prices are for oat, barley, or wheat straw. Straw prices are steady. Small square bales averaged $5.40 a bale (range of $4.00 to $6.00). Large square bale straw averaged $46.00 per bale (a range of $38.00 to $60.00). Large round bale straw averaged $52.00 per bale (range of $35.00 – $60.00). There was a limited supply of straw available.

In Nebraska, hay sold steady to higher in the east. Demand was moderate to good and the phones were busy. Drought is a concern and second crop yields were down compared to normal. In Iowa, no report.

In South Dakota, alfalfa and grass hay prices are firm with very good demand for all hay types. High testing dairy quality hay is in short supply as weather delayed harvest resulting in lower quality numbers.

In Missouri, prices are mostly steady, supply and demand is moderate. Hay movement remains moderate.

In Southwest Minnesota, no report. In Kansas, prices have remained steady, demand is good, but movement is slow. Concerns are hot weather with no rain and some crops may go backwards.

 In Wisconsin, prices for dairy quality hay are steady to strong. Lower quality hay is discounted. Good supply at many local markets, but it may not be quality tested.