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.  Growers are 
reporting large increases in supreme hay prices compared to last year.  The NASS 
Colorado Crop Progress and Condition report for the week ending July 9, 2017 
hot and dry conditions pushed winter wheat harvest just ahead of the average 
last week, according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of the National 
Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA. Although some counties received isolated
moisture, hot and windy conditions resulted in a decline in soil moisture and 
associated dryland crop and pasture conditions. Irrigated crops in northeastern 
counties are doing well, although windy conditions coupled with heat have 
producers in areas scrambling to irrigate. In the San Luis Valley, hay harvest 
is progressing well despite scattered precipitation, although there were reports 
of alfalfa weevil and spraying to mitigate. Irrigation supplies in the San Luis 
Valley are holding up well but river levels have dropped off considerably. 
Southeastern counties also saw good progress of hay and wheat harvest. Livestock 
are reported to be doing well, but rangeland conditions across the state are 
concerning with continued hot and dry weather. Moisture is needed in drier areas 
if hot weather continues. Winter wheat condition was rated 43 percent good to 
excellent statewide, compared with 66 percent good to excellent last year. 
Stored feed supplies were rated 2 percent short, 85 percent adequate, and 13 
percent surplus. Sheep death loss was 79 percent average and 21 percent light. 
Cattle death loss was 1 percent heavy, 81 percent average, and 18 percent light.  
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: Supreme 170.00 delivered; Premium 155.00 delivered; Fair 
   120.00-130.00. 
   Small Squares: Premium 225.00-245.00 (6.75-8.00 per bale), small lot. 
  Grass
   Large Squares: Premium 200.00; Good 180.00-190.00.
   Small Squares: Good 210.00-215.00 (6.25-7.00 per bale).
   No reported quotes for all other classes of hay.

Southeast Colorado Areas
  Alfalfa
   Small Squares: Supreme 200.00 (6.25 per bale), small lot; Premium 180.00 
   (6.00 per bale); Good 150.00 (5.00 per bale).
  Grass
   Small Squares: Premium 245.00 (6.50 per bale), retail.
   No reported quotes for all other classes of hay.

San Luis Valley Area
  Alfalfa
   Large Squares: Supreme 175.00-185.00.
   No reported quotes for all other classes of hay.

Southwest Colorado Areas
  Alfalfa
   Large Squares: Supreme 182.00.
   Small Squares: Premium 230.00 (11.00 per bale), retail.
  Alfalfa/Grass Mix
   Small Squares: Premium 180.00 (6.00 per bale).
  Timothy Grass
   Small Squares: Premium 330.00.
  Mill Hay
   Small Squares: Premium 180.00.
  Orchard Grass
   Small Squares: Premium 275.00 (13.00 per bale), retail.
  Grass Hay
   Small Squares: Premium 230.00 (7.00 per bale).
   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.