Wyoming, Western Nebraska, and Western South Dakota Hay Report

   Compared to last week, prices were mostly lower with activity very light and 
demand good in all classes.  While some producers are starting to cut their 2017 
Alfalfa, most producers are looking to a mid-June first cutting with some areas 
looking to a July 1st first cutting.  Moisture and cooler temperatures has made 
for a later harvest than usual in many areas.  Growers are reporting a 
reluctance from customers to purchase hay.  Some have even stated a plan to thin 
herds rather than purchase higher priced hay.  The NASS Wyoming Crop Progress 
and Condition report for the week ending June 4, 2017 states that Wyoming 
experienced warmer than normal temperatures for the week, according to the 
Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, 
USDA.  Twenty-five out of thirty-four stations reported above average 
temperatures for the week with the high temperature of 92 degrees recorded at 
Greybull and a low of 28 degrees at Lake Yellowstone and Shirley Basin.  Seven 
stations reported no precipitation and Sundance had the most precipitation with 
0.19 inches.  All thirty-four stations had less than average precipitation.  A 
reporter from Northeast Wyoming that precipitation is needed.  Another reporter 
from Northeast Wyoming indicated that the grass is drying up.  They also 
indicated that the hay crop does not look good.  A reporter from Western Wyoming 
indicated that the weather was sunny and warm and the rivers are still swollen 
from the snow melt.  They also indicated that rangeland looked good.  A reporter 
from South Central Wyoming commented that they have had a lot of cheatgrass 
infestation which is affecting pastures and the hay crop.  A reporter from 
Southeastern Wyoming noted that conditions are quickly drying out.  Another 
reporter from Southeastern Wyoming stated that they have gotten very little 
precipitation, first cutting of hay is taking place, and things still look 
green.  Another reporter from Southeast Wyoming reported that they have gotten 
regular rain showers with hail which has slowed field work.  Stock water 
supplies across Wyoming were rated 3 percent very short, 4 percent short, 83 
percent adequate, and 10 percent surplus.  Alfalfa stands were rated 5 percent 
poor, 15 percent fair, 77 percent good, and 3 percent excellent.  Alfalfa first 
cutting is 6 percent complete.  According to the United States Drought Monitor, 
warm, dry weather combined with high winds in the northern Plains continued to 
dry out vegetation and deteriorate drought conditions.  The lack of 
precipitation combined with near record temperatures and high winds has created 
very dry growing conditions across the Dakotas, with little to no hay production 
expected.  The U.S. Department of Agriculture rates more than half of the top 
soil in these two states as short to very short.  Moderate drought (D1) was 
expanded so that it now covers the majority of North Dakota as well as northern 
South Dakota, and severe drought (D2) was introduced.  Widespread rainfall is 
expected across the Rockies and the central United States.  Most locations are 
forecast to receive less than an inch of rain.  All prices dollars per ton FOB 
stack in large square bales and rounds, unless otherwise noted.  Most horse hay 
sold in small squares.  Prices are from the most recent reported sales. 

Eastern Wyoming 
  Alfalfa
   Large Squares: Good 120.00.
   No reported quotes for other classes of hay.

Central and Western Wyoming 
   No reported quotes for other classes of hay. 

Western Nebraska
  Alfalfa
   Ground and Delivered: 135.00.
   No reported quotes for other classes of hay.

Western South Dakota
   No reported quotes for other classes of hay.