Wyoming, Western Nebraska, and Western South Dakota Hay Report

   Compared to last week, prices were mostly steady with good demand is good to 
very good in all regions due to drought conditions in Montana and the Dakotas.  
Cattleman in drought affected regions of South Dakota are considering a possible 
reduction to their herd size to avoid purchasing supplemental hay.  Producers in 
South Dakota are reporting most of first cutting alfalfa is sold at this point 
and possibility of a second cutting is unclear depending on drought conditions 
in certain areas.  The NASS Wyoming Crop Progress and Condition report for the 
week ending July 2, 2017 states that Wyoming experienced cooler than normal 
temperatures for the week, according to the Mountain Regional Field Office of 
the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.  Twenty-eight of the 34 
stations reported below average temperatures for the week with the high 
temperature of 95 degrees recorded at Greybull and Worland and a low of 29 
degrees at Lake Yellowstone, Big Piney, and Shirley Basin.  Eight stations 
reported no precipitation and Gillette had the most precipitation with 0.84 
inches.  Twenty-eight of the 34 stations received below normal precipitation.  A 
reporter from Northeastern Wyoming indicted that several producers are reporting 
that their hay crops are not going to be very good.  A reporter from Western 
Wyoming reported that they had warm sunny days and cold nights during the past 
week.  They also indicated that the plant growth was slow due to the cold 
nights.  A reporter from South Central Wyoming noted that it was hot, dry, and 
windy during the day and cool during the nights.  They also reported that the 
hay looks good but production is down.  A reporter from Southeast Wyoming 
indicated that summer conditions exist and cool season growing has peaked.  
Another reporter from Southeast Wyoming indicated that it has been hot and dry 
with strong winds.  Another reporter from Southeastern Wyoming noted that the 
county had received decent moisture but it is drying out fast.  Stock water 
supplies across Wyoming were rated 9 percent very short, 10 percent short, and 
81 percent adequate.  Alfalfa hay was rated 3 percent very poor, 12 percent 
poor, 17 percent fair, and 67 percent good.  Alfalfa first cutting is 85 percent 
complete.  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: Supreme 140.00; Premium 125.00; Fair 110.00.
   Round Bales: Fair 100.00.
   No reported quotes for other classes of hay.

Central and Western Wyoming
  Alfalfa
   Large Squares: Premium 180.00-200.00.
  Alfalfa/Grass Mix
   Large Squares: Premium 180.00-200.00.
   No reported quotes for other classes of hay. 

Western Nebraska
  Alfalfa
   Large Squares: Utility 115.00.
   Ground and Delivered: 135.00.
   No reported quotes for other classes of hay.

Western South Dakota
  Alfalfa
   Large Squares: Premium 150.00.
  Wheat Hay
   Large Squares: Good 80.00. 
   No reported quotes for other classes of hay.