Hay Market Demand and Price Report for the Upper Midwest

Demand and Sales Comments

The last report for December was delayed. Drought areas have high hay prices and Wisconsin has a good supply of forage, thus lower prices. 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. Limited sales so this report is same from last report. Straw prices are steady. Small square bales averaged $4.15 a bale (range of $2.75 to $7.00). Large square bale straw averaged $55.00 per bale (a range of $35.00 to $85.00). Large round bale straw averaged $52.00 per bale (range of $35.00 – $68.00).

In Nebraska, prices remain steady. Cold temperatures has some cattlemen seeking out hay to buy,    

In South Dakota, prices remain steady to firm with very good demand for all classes of hay. Cold weather is preventing some hay movement.

In Missouri, extreme cold weather has literally shut down the state.

In Kansas, demand is strong. Prices are steady with undertones of strength.  

 In Wisconsin, prices for dairy quality hay are steady. Overall Wisconsin has a good supply of forage. Dairy hay prices are good, but lower quality may be discounted.