Colorado Hay Report

   Compared to last week, prices were steady with activity and demand good in 
all classes.  2017 alfalfa cutting is underway throughout the state.  Growers 
are reporting pest problems in the southwest region of the state.  The NASS 
Colorado Crop Progress and Condition report for the week ending June 25, 2017 
states that, record high temperatures along with windy conditions observed 
across the state this past week led to a decline in soil moisture conditions, 
according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural 
Statistics Service, USDA.  Cooler weather late in the week with isolated 
precipitation helped mitigate heat in eastern counties.  Crops sustained 
significant growth and development this past week, while the dry weather allowed 
producers to focus on cutting hay and finishing up planting activities.  
Southeastern counties reported localized severe weather with high winds, 
damaging hail, and tornadic activity.  A reporter noted in Moffat and Routt 
counties that alfalfa freeze-damaged two weeks ago was reported by producers to 
have sustained heavy losses.  Livestock and pasture conditions are reportedly in 
good shape, although those areas that did not see as much moisture this spring 
are more distressed with recent dry weather.  Stored feed supplies were rated 5 
percent short, 83 percent adequate, and 12 percent surplus.  Sheep death loss 
was 4 percent heavy, 64 percent average, and 32 percent light.  Cattle death 
loss was 74 percent average and 26 percent light.  Alfalfa is 2 percent very 
poor, 8 percent poor, 29 percent fair, 50 percent good, and 11 percent 
excellent.  Alfalfa first cutting is 81 percent complete with second cutting 2 
percent complete.  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
  Alfalfa
   Large Squares: Fair 115.00-130.00. 
   Small Squares: Premium 225.00 (6.75 per bale), small lot. 
  Grass
   Large Squares: Premium 200.00; Good 180.00-190.00.
   Small Squares: Premium 245.00 (8.00 per bale); Good 210.00-215.00 (6.25-7.00 
per bale).
  Alfalfa/Grass Mix
   Round Bales: Fair 130.00.
  Green Chop: Good 120.00, contracted standing.
   No reported quotes for all other classes of hay.

Southeast Colorado Areas
  Alfalfa
   Small Squares: Premium 180.00 (6.00 per bale).
  Grass
   Small Squares: Premium 245.00 (6.50 per bale), retail.

San Luis Valley Area
  Alfalfa
   Large Squares: Premium 180.00.
   No reported quotes for all other classes of hay.

Southwest Colorado Areas
  Alfalfa
   Large Squares: Supreme 182.00.
  Alfalfa/Grass Mix
   Small Squares: Premium 180.00 (6.00 per bale).
  Orchard Grass
   Small Squares: Premium 286.00 (13.00 per bale), retail.
   No reported quotes from all other classes of hay.

Mountains and Northwest Colorado Areas
  Grass
   Large Squares: Good 130.00, old crop; Fair 90.00, old crop.
   Round Bales: Good/Fair 115.00, old crop.
   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.