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 9, 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. All of the 34 stations 
reported above average temperatures for the week with the high temperature of 
103 degrees recorded at Greybull and a low of 36 degrees at Lake Yellowstone. 
Ten stations reported no precipitation and Newcastle had the most precipitation 
with 0.88 inches. They also reported that pasture grass is curing very quickly 
with the high temperatures. A reporter from Eastern Wyoming noted that hay 
production in the county could be about one-fourth of normal and very spotty. 
They also indicated that producers have been busy putting up hay. A reporter 
from South Central Wyoming noted that it was hot, and very dry with pastures 
maturing very quickly. Two other reporters from South Central Wyoming commented 
on the dry pastures, low hay production, and dwindling water supplies. Stock 
water supplies across Wyoming were rated 10 percent very short, 8 percent short, 
81 percent adequate, and 1 percent surplus.  South Dakota crop progress report 
July 9, 2017, average temperatures were above normal across the State, with 
temperatures in western South Dakota averaging four to ten degrees above normal. 
A limited amount of scattered rain fell. Crop conditions continued to decline. 
There were 6.6 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 37 
percent very short, 42 short, 20 adequate, and 1 surplus. Subsoil moisture 
supplies rated 32 percent very short, 39 short, 28 adequate, and 1 surplus. 
Pasture and range condition rated 32 percent very poor, 27 poor, 27 fair, 13 
good, and 1 excellent.  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 140.00-150.00; Premium 130.00; Fair 115.00-120.00.
   Round Bales: Fair 100.00.
  Grass/Alfalfa Mix
   Large Squares: Premium 120.00. 
   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.