Southwest Missouri Hay Auction - Golden City, MO

Iowa Direct Hay Report

July alfalfa breaks $200 per ton barrier

It’s been a long time coming, but the U.S. average price for alfalfa hay settled at $203 per ton during July, which was the first time it eclipsed $200 since May 2024. July marked the fifth consecutive month of positive price movement for alfalfa hay, according to USDA’s Agricultural Prices report. The July price level was $5 per ton above the previous month and $28 more than a year ago.

The price paid for Supreme and Premium alfalfa hay during July rebounded by $3 per ton to $242 after declining the previous month.

The average July grass hay price also showed a slight improvement and rose by $2 per ton from the previous month, finishing at $143. This value was $7 above a year ago.

Seven states posted a double-digit alfalfa price improvement from June to July. That group was led by Colorado, which was up by $15 per ton. Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, Oregon, Utah, and Wyoming were each up by $10 per ton.

Wisconsin was only state that posted a double-digit decline in average monthly alfalfa price; it was down by $10 per ton. Iowa came close with a $9 price reduction.

The highest average July alfalfa hay price was reported in Pennsylvania at $290 per ton. New Mexico followed at $280, while New York posted a $270 per ton average price.

North Dakota had the lowest average alfalfa price at $97 per ton. It was followed by South Dakota at $100 and Nebraska at $103 per ton.

Keep in mind that USDA average prices account for all qualities and bale types of hay sold. Also, the final U.S. estimate is a volume-weighted average rather than a simple average of state values. Those states with the most volume sales will impact the final U.S. dollar value more than those states with fewer sales.

Supreme and Premium

The USDA also tracks the prices of Supreme and Premium quality alfalfa in the major dairy states and determines an average price from the five top milk-producing states (California, Idaho, New York, Texas, and Wisconsin). This data is used to determine feed prices in the Dairy Margin Coverage (DMC) program.

During July, the average price of Supreme and Premium alfalfa hay rose by $3 per ton, posting at $242. That value was $3 per ton lower than a year ago.

Other hay

The July average price of other hay was reported at $143 per ton, which was up $2 from the previous month and $7 above July 2025.

The highest July price for hay other than alfalfa was reported in Pennsylvania, New Mexico, and Washington, each at $220 per ton. Oregon followed the leaders at $210 per ton.

North Dakota had the lowest reported other hay average price at $68 per ton. It was followed by Minnesota at $83 per ton.

USDA Hay Markets – September 8, 2026

Regional Hay Prices

State-By-State Hay Markets

New Mexico—In Aug. 27 report, compared to the last report, the hay market appeared steady to firm.

Colorado—In Aug. 27 report, compared to the last report, Trade activity Moderate. Demand Good to Very Good all markets of new crop hay. Premium small squares of mixed grass and prairie/meadow grass sold 50 cents/bale higher FOB and Premium 3×3’s of mixed grass horse hay sold $10/bale higher. No comparable trades on feedlot and dairy markets, but prices remain firm. The next available report will be Sept. 10.

Missouri—In the Aug. 20 report, according to the latest data from NASS other hay cutting excluding Alfalfa is now complete, although there will no doubt be some fall hay made but that is not tracked. Third cutting of alfalfa is now at 51% complete, 11% behind the 5-yr average. Although pastures in the state are rated better than any other state with a significant cow herd, some areas are starting to get a little dry. Areas that are getting rain seem to get them regularly while a few areas have been missing out. Generally, the southern third of the state, where it doesn’t take long to turn dry with the extreme heat seen the last couple of weeks. The supply of hay is moderate to heavy and hay listed for sale is abundant, especially fair to good quality grass types of hay. hay demand and movement has been light. Hay prices are mostly steady. The Missouri Department of Agriculture has a hay directory at https://apps.mda.mo.gov/haydirectory or visit the University of Missouri Extension feed stuff finder at https://feedstufffinder.org.

Nebraska—In the Aug. 27 report, compared to the last report, alfalfa hay in the Eastern side of the state $10 to $20 higher, alfalfa pellets $20 higher. Grass and alfalfa hay in the Central area steady to $10 higher, ground and delivered hay steady. Alfalfa hay in the Platte Valley sold steady to $20 higher ground and delivered hay sold $10 per ton higher. Alfalfa pellets sold steady. In the west, all reported forages sold steady. Demand was good to very good for bales of forage. Light demand on alfalfa pellets. Quite a lot of the pressure on the Nebraska hay market is from out of state buyers as they are adding additional price to the local market.

Oklahoma—In the Aug. 21 report, Compared to the last report, demand for hay is high. Due to the drought and cattle prices, cattle producers are calling all hay producers. All types of hay are being moved. All of Oklahoma is seeking rain. We have seen some showers but not enough to affect the drought monitor. Unfortunately, the heat looks like it will be sticking around for the next few days.The next report release will be on Sept. 4.

Texas—In the Aug. 21 report, compared to the last report, hay prices and demand remain steady. The next available hay report will be Sept. 4.

South Dakota— In the July 31 report, compared to last report, very good demand for all classes and qualities of hay currently. Drought conditions have not relented, until this week when more widespread rain finally came. Baling of second cutting is completed, third is ready to be cut once the weather clears. Lots of inquiry coming from the west as hay production is very limited in those regions, not much inquiry from the east yet. Grass hay tonnage is greatly reduced from last year, alfalfa has fared much better.

Wyoming— In Aug. 20 report, compared to the last report, hay prices sold fully steady. Demand is very good with a lot of people looking to buy hay within the state. Some hay is going out of state but the bulk is staying in the local market. Producers are trying to help long-term customers and trying not to gouge them on this year’s hay price. Very dry across the whole state and the only green areas are where irrigation water has been applied. Most irrigation districts in west appear to be in good shape for this 2026 growing season. However, most irrigation water is shut down in the eastern area of the state. Moat producers in the west are getting ready or are on second cutting of hay. Some are bailing grass and wheat straw.

Montana— In Aug. 21 report, compared to last report: Hay sold generally steady. Hay continues to see very localized pricing. Hay continues to be delivered out of Canada for mostly 180.00-230.00 depending on freight. The Northern portion of the state have seen adequate rains and have put up a good crop. Most producers have first cutting in the bale and many in Northern Montana are working on putting up second. Southern Montana is working on 3rd. Northern hay yields have been at or under last year, while most other areas are seeing hay yields 30-40% under last year. Hay supplies are very dependent on location as a result, but overall yields have been lower than last year across the board. USDA freight assistance programs have helped ranchers move hay supplies at a reduced freight rate from surrounding states. Some hay is moving out of the state into\ Wyoming as demand for hay in severe drought stricken areas is very good. Demand for hay across the state remains very good. Limited sales were seen this week as producers are busy with grain harvest, hauling livestock or cutting and putting up hay. Many producers state they have most of their hay already spoken for but have yet to establish a price. Many are not concerned with marketing hay knowing most of it is already spoken for. According to the drought monitor 54.59% the state is in Moderate drought or worse, up 5.30% from 2 weeks ago. 17.43% of the state is in an Severe drought or worse, up 0.24% from 2 weeks ago. 4.40% of the state is in Extreme drought or worse, down 0.61% from 2 weeks ago. 4.40% of the state is in Expectational drought, up 4.40% from 2 weeks ago. Notably, 94.31% of the state is abnormally dry, up 15.26% from 2 weeks ago.

Oklahoma Direct Hay Report