Weekly East River South Dakota Hay Market

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

   Compared to last week:  Prices continue to hold at mostly steady
levels as reported trades are limited this week.   Demand reamins mostly
moderate, while interest is moderate to good.  The drought conditions
across the entire state has reduced tonnage for those producers who were
able to get a 2nd and 3rd cutting of alfalfa.  According to the US Drought
Monitor released on July 27th, nearly 100 percent of the state is in some
degree of drought, with almost 15 percent of the state experiencing Extreme
Drought (D3) conditions.  Much of Northern and Eastern South Dakota received
rain this past week, with totals ranging from .5 to over 5 inches of rain.  Some
areas also experienced high winds and hail in those same weather systems. 
Several hay producers stated they were getting calls from eastern Minnesota and
Wisconsin looking for higher testing alfalfa, as much of that region has been
experiencing a wetter than normal summer making it very difficult to get quality
hay put up.  All hay and straw sold by the ton FOB, unless otherwise noted.

   Alfalfa:  Supreme:  Large Squares, 145.00-165.00.  Premium:  Large
Squares, 130.00-150.00.  Fair:  Large Rounds, Old Crop 100.00.

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

   Alfalfa/Grass Mix:  Premium:  Large Rounds, New Crop 115.00; Small Squares,
Old Crop 7.50 per bale.

   Grass:  Premium:  Large Rounds, 120.00.

   Straw:  Large Rounds, 75.00 out of the field; Large Squares 80.00 out of the
field.  Large Squares and Rounds, 100.00 FOB the yard.

   Cornstalks:  Large Rounds, Old Crop 65.00 Delivered Short Haul.