Colorado Hay Report

   Compared to last week, prices were steady with activity and demand good in 
all classes.  Growers are reporting a decrease in yields compared to last year.  
Precipitation in certain areas of the state have hindered the process of putting 
up hay.  The NASS Colorado Crop Progress and Condition report for the week 
ending July 23, 2017 states that some areas received needed moisture, while 
others remained very dry.  In northwestern counties, a reported a lack of rain 
and hot daytime temperatures have driven irrigation and livestock water supplies 
to critically low levels; stream flow has been adversely affected as well as 
pond levels.  A reporter noted that haying is about 2 weeks early due to a lack 
of irrigation water in the area.  In northeastern counties, reporters noted that 
hot and dry conditions continue to prevail although scattered precipitation was 
received last week.  In these counties, irrigated crops remain in good condition 
where water supplies are adequate; dryland crops and pastures are quickly 
deteriorating with the lack of moisture.  In southwestern counties, reporters 
noted that monsoon season has begun with accompanying rainfall.  Received 
moisture has improved range conditions, although some areas remain dry.   In 
Montezuma County, it was reported that heavy rain damaged crops in some areas 
this past week.  In the San Luis Valley, localized rain was received last week, 
along with very isolated hail.  A reporter noted that alfalfa weevil is still a 
problem in areas with some producers treating to mitigate.  In southeastern 
counties, scattered rain was also reported last week.  Overall, hot and windy 
conditions have caused issues keeping irrigated crops wet.  A reporter noted 
that alfalfa condition has declined since some irrigation water has been 
diverted to corn.  Stored feed supplies were rated 2 percent very short, 6 
percent short, 80 percent adequate, and 12 percent surplus.  Sheep death loss 
was 4 percent heavy, 63 percent average, and 33 percent light.  Cattle death 
loss was 3 percent heavy, 66 percent average, and 31 percent light.  Alfalfa 
crop condition was rated 1 percent very poor, 12 percent poor, 27 percent fair, 
49 percent good, and 11 percent excellent.  Alfalfa second cutting is 58 percent 
complete and third cutting is 1 percent complete.  Topsoil moisture was rated 9 
percent very short, 36 percent short, 53 percent adequate, and 2 percent 
surplus.  Subsoil moisture was rated 5 percent very short, 36 percent short, 58 
percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus.  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/Utility 115.00 DEL. 
  Grass
   Large Squares: Premium 200.00; Good 180.00-190.00.
   Small Squares: Good 215.00 (7.00 per bale).
   No reported quotes for all other classes of hay.

Southeast Colorado Areas
  Grass
   Round Bales: Premium 170.00.
   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 175.00-180.00.
  Grass
   Large Squares: Good 150.00.
   No reported quotes for all other classes of hay.

Southwest Colorado Areas
  Alfalfa
   Small Squares: Supreme 245.00 (11.00 per bale), small lot.
  Orchard Grass
   Small Squares: Premium 285.00 (13.00 per bale), small lot.
  Grass
   Small Squares: Premium 225.00 (7.50 per bale).
   No reported quotes from all other classes of hay.

Mountains and Northwest Colorado Areas
  Grass
   Large Squares: Good 150.00.
   Small Squares: Good 180.00.
  Orchard Grass
   Round Bales: Good 125.00.
  Oats
   Contracted Standing 80.00.
   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.