Hay Market Demand and Price Report for the Upper Midwest

Demand and Sales Comments

Markets are steady with limited sales in some areas; lower quality hay is sharply discounted. Good dairy quality hay continues to hold steady prices in the market with some slight downward pressure for an overall market. 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 $5.00 a bale (range of $3.60 to $7.00). Large square bale straw averaged $46.00 per bale (a range of $31.00 to $60.00). Large round bale straw averaged $56.00 per bale (range of $30.00 – $80.00).

In Nebraska, alfalfa hay sold steady to strong this week. Demand was good with a number of calls inquiring of hay availability. Many are sitting on supply to push prices up, but feedlots are purchasing more corn silage to fill forage gaps. In Iowa, no report.

In South Dakota, prices for all hay types is firm. Good demand for all types and quantities of hay. Some calves are being weaned and sent to market, but overall pasture is adequate.   

In Missouri, hay movement is slow, demand is moderate, and hay prices remain steady. Hay supply is moderate in the state.

Southwest Minnesota, no report. In Kansas, compared to earlier in month hay prices have seen an upward bump in response to limited supply and drought conditions.  

 In Wisconsin, prices for dairy quality hay are steady with limited quality available at the auction. Lower quality hay is discounted. Good supply at many local markets, but it may not be quality tested.