Idaho Direct Hay Report

Missouri Direct Hay Report

Alfalfa price climbs for third straight month

We hadn’t seen a consecutive three-month jump in average alfalfa prices since February through April 2023, but that changed with the recent USDA’s Agricultural Prices report that showed another significant bump in alfalfa price during May. The average price paid for alfalfa climbed to $191 per ton, a jump of $32 since February and $11 higher than April.

The May average alfalfa price was only $11 below a year ago. Typically, the highest average price each year is posted in April or May. It will be interesting to see what direction prices take in the coming months; however, it is probably safe to say that the bottom of the market is in the rearview mirror.

The average price for grass hay also rose in May by $6 per ton to $144, which is the current high-water mark for 2025.

The price paid for Supreme and Premium alfalfa hay during May skyrocketed to $277 per ton, which was $25 above the previous month.

Three states had a double-digit month-over-month alfalfa price gain during May. Iowa was $11 per ton higher, and New Mexico and Wyoming were up by $10 per ton.

Six states had a double-digit decline in average alfalfa price. Arizona was down by $15 per ton. Pennsylvania, Ohio, New York, Michigan, and Illinois were all down by $10 per ton.

The highest average May alfalfa hay price was reported in California at $245 per ton. It was followed by Pennsylvania, posting a price of $240, while New Mexico, Texas, and New York followed at $230 per ton.

North Dakota had the lowest average alfalfa price at $92 per ton. It was followed by South Dakota at $94 and Nebraska at $101.

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.

For May, the average price of Supreme and Premium alfalfa hay rose by $25 per ton to $277, which was $1 per ton above the average price of a year ago. It’s been a long time since any hay price metric exceeded that posted during the previous year.

Other hay

The May average price of other hay strengthened by $6 per ton to $144. This was $10 per ton lower than the previous year.

The highest May price for hay other than alfalfa was reported in Oregon at $215 per ton. Washington followed at $200 per ton while New York posted a $187 per ton price.

North Dakota had the lowest reported other hay average price at $69 per ton. It was followed by Minnesota at $83 per ton.

Dakota Hay Auction - Corsica, SD (Monday)

USDA Hay Markets – July 8, 2025

Southwest Missouri Hay Auction - Golden City, MO

State-By-State Hay Summary

Colorado—In the June 20 report, compared to last report, trade activity and demand light. No market trend available due to a lack of comparable trades. Thunderstorms across the state have delayed first cutting in many areas and made it difficult to put up first cutting hay. Next report will be released July 3.

Missouri—In the June 26 report, compared to last report, hay prices are steady. The supply of hay is moderate, and demand is light to moderate. Fields around the state have been very busy the last two weeks. Wheat harvest and fescue seed harvest have combines back to getting use. Hay harvest is in full swing as well, it has been a slow start for much of the state due to excessive moisture. As of the latest crop progress report hay excluding alfalfa is at 57% complete, that compares to 71% at this time last year and 66% for the five-year average. Alfalfa cuttings are slightly behind but much closer to normal pace at this point. Pasture conditions in the state remain some of the best in the nation, and although the sun and growing degrees have been much appreciated, the extreme heat is likely to result in some decline of conditions if the heat persist too long.

Nebraska—In the June 18 report, compared to last report, alfalfa sold steady on a thin test. Old crop alfalfa going to grinding sold $10 lower. Old crop grass hay and ground and delivered products steady. Dehydrated and sun-cured pellets steady. Early reports on first cutting alfalfa off from a typical year. Some contacts thinking around 30% less. Dryness, weevil, cool weather along with hail has really influenced the tonnage in several fields. If the producer applied water and sprayed for weevil tonnage nearly spot on for a normal year’s production. Some spotty rain showers in various areas of the state.

Oklahoma—In the June 20 report, compared to last report, prices for new hay are still unknown, and demand is at a standstill to moderate. Rain continuously covers Oklahoma, preventing hay producers from moving hay and, at times, stopping hay from being harvested. The continued preparation for the new crop of grass hay is underway as well. Next report will be released July 11.

Texas—In the June 27 report, compared to last report, hay prices are mostly steady across all regions with light to moderate demand. The next available hay report will be July 11.

South Dakota—In the June 20 report, compared to last report, light to moderate demand for hay. Scattered rains and high humidity the past week have made it challenging for hay producers to get hay put up. Heavy dews in the mornings and then cloudy skies preventing hay from drying down quickly. Area hay auctions are still seeing a large supply of old crop hay offered. Very hot temps and windy conditions at the end of the week and through the weekend, with daily showers in the forecast until late next week.

New Mexico—In the June 20 report, compared to last report, hay market was mostly steady to firm with third cuttings are underway.

Wyoming—In the June 26 report, compared to the last report, old crop small square bales of alfalfa sold $10 lower. Old crop large square bales of alfalfa steady. Alfalfa cubes and pellets sold steady. On comparable new crop sales of alfalfa showed a steady undertone as producers sold kind, quality of large square bales to the same clients. Spotty rain showers in the eastern areas of the state. Relatively dry in the western areas. Many producers are finishing up on first cutting across the state.

Montana—In the June 20 report, compared to last report, hay sold mostly $5 to $10 higher on good to very good demand. The strongest demand was seen from northern Montana, as buyers were very active in purchasing hay this week. Most of the hay sold was purchased delivered for $195 to $210. Hay was also purchased to ship south into Wyoming as drought conditions have buyers searching for hay. A few new crop contracts continue to be seen and demand remains very good. Most ranchers have cattle turned out and hay usage is down significantly, however buying for winter has started as ranchers show concern over the quantity of hay available. Many ranchers have more cows and heifers retained this year and will have more mouths to feed compared to last winter. Producers in southern and eastern Montana are in the middle of first cutting, while central Montana is still another week away from being able to cut first. The chopped hay in the report below was weighed wet, directly behind the chopper. Market activity was mostly moderate this week.