Weekly East River South Dakota Hay Market

All prices per ton, unless noted, FOB the stack.

   Compared to last week:  Alfalfa hay sold steady to 20.00 higher for new crop
compared to limited reported sales last week.  Grass hay had no recent comparisons
as this was the first reported sales of New Crop.  Demand has picked up substansially
in the last couple of weeks, as drought conditions have worsened and expanded across
the much of South Dakota, North Dakota and the eastern region of Montana.  According
to the latest Drought Monitor released on June 20th, near 84 percent of South Dakota
is experiencing some degree of drought, with 2 percent of the state in Extreme Drought.
Many cattle producers in the hardest hit drought areas are making tough decisions in
regards to reducing herd numbers to extend their pastures for as long as possible.  
Grass cutting is gearing up as well as many hay producers looking at starting 2nd cutting
alfalfa next week depending on the weather.  All hay and straw sold by the ton FOB, unless
otherwise noted.

   Alfalfa:  Supreme:  Large Squares, New Crop 145.00-165.00.  Good/Premium:  Large
Squares, 140.00-160.00 80.00-105.00.  Good:  Large Rounds, Old Crop 100.00.  Fair:
Large Rounds, New Crop Clippings 80.00.  Utility:  Large Rounds, Old Crop 85.00.

   Sun-cured Alfalfa pellets:  15 pct 145.00; 17 pct 150.00.  Alfalfa
Meal: 17 pct 155.00.

   Alfalfa/Grass Mix:  No Reported Sales.

   Grass:  Premium:  Large Squares, New Crop 140.00; Small Squares, Old Crop 8.00 per bale.

   Oat Hay:  Large Rounds, 85.00.