Colorado Hay Report

   Compared to last week, prices were steady with activity light and good demand 
in all classes.  Producers state that demand is still strong, but most producers 
are sold out until cutting their new crop.  The NASS Colorado Crop Progress and 
Condition report for the week ending April 30, 2017 states that much of the 
state received precipitation by week’s end, but fieldwork was limited due to 
weather conditions, according to the Mountain Region Field Office of the 
National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.  Good moisture in the form of 
rain and snow was received in several counties, continuing to improve soil 
moisture and pasture conditions.  In general, cooler temperatures slowed the 
rate of planting and emergence for many spring crops.  Isolated heavy snow and 
severe weather in the Southeast district is a concern for the wheat crop and 
livestock producers who are evaluating possible livestock losses.  As of May 
1st, snowpack in Colorado was at 102 percent measured as percent of median 
snowfall.  The Southwest and San Luis Valley were 114 and 103 percent, 
respectively.  Stored feed supplies were rated 4 percent short, 80 percent 
adequate, and 16 percent surplus.  Sheep death loss was 45 percent average and 
55 percent light.  Cattle death loss was 1 percent heavy, 77 percent average, 
and 22 percent light.  Pasture and range conditions were rated 2 percent very 
poor, 13 percent poor, 39 percent fair, 40 percent good, and 6 percent 
excellent.  According to the U.S. Drought Monitor, it was dry in the Dakotas but 
wet over much of Nebraska and Kansas as well as the plains of Colorado.  The 
same storm system that brought the rain to the Midwest also brought rain and 
snow to both Kansas and Nebraska.  Significant snow totals were associated with 
this storm for this time of year.  All moderate drought was removed this week 
from Nebraska and eastern Colorado and only 2 small pockets of moderate drought 
remain in northeast Wyoming.  Abnormally dry conditions were also improved over 
all of Kansas, western South Dakota, eastern Colorado, and southern Nebraska.  
Only a few pockets of dryness remain in the region.  All prices reported are FOB 
at the stack or barn unless otherwise noted.  Prices reflect load lots of hay.  
If you have hay for sale or need hay, use the services of the Colorado 
Department of Agriculture website: www.coloradoagriculture.com.

Northeast Colorado Areas
   No reported quotes for all other classes of hay.

Southeast Colorado Areas
  Alfalfa
   Large Squares: Premium 150.00
   Small Squares: Supreme 200.00 (6.50-7.00 per bale).
  Grass
   Large Squares: Premium 227.00, retail.
   Small Squares: Premium 245.00 (6.50 per bale), retail.
  Sorghum-Sudan Grass
   Large Rounds: Utility 75.00-85.00 Del.
   No reported quotes for all other classes of hay.

San Luis Valley Area
   No reported quotes for all other classes of hay.

Southwest Colorado Areas
  Orchard Grass
   Small Squares – 3 tie: Fair 200.00 (9.00 per bale).
  Orchard/Alfalfa Mix
   Small Squares: Premium 270.00 (13.00 per bale).
   No reported quotes from all other classes of hay.

Mountains and Northwest Colorado Areas
  Grass
   Small Squares: Premium 190.00 (5.50 per bale); Good 150.00.
   Large Squares: Good 100.00-125.00.
   No reported quotes for all other classes of hay.

Northeast: Weld, Washington, Morgan, Cheyenne, Kiowa, Lincoln, Elbert, 
Adams, Sedgwick, Yuma, Larimer, Jefferson, Douglas, Kit Carson, Phillips, 
Logan, Boulder, Arapahoe, and El Paso.
Southeast: Fremont, Custer, Huerfano, Las Animas, Bent, Otero, Prowers, 
Crowley, and Pueblo.
San Luis Valley: Saguache, Alamosa, Costilla, Conejos, Rio Grande, and 
Mineral.
Southwest: Mesa, Delta, Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel, Montezuma, Dolores, 
San Juan, Hinsdale, Archuleta, and La Plata.
Mountains and Northwest: Moffat, Routt, Jackson, Rio Blanco, Garfield, 
Gunnison, Teller, Grand, Chaffee, Park, Clear Creek, Gilpin, Summit, 
Lake, and Eagle.