Wyoming, Western Nebraska, and Western South Dakota Hay Report

   Compared to last week, prices were mostly steady with demand good to very 
good in all regions due to drought conditions in Montana and the Dakotas.  The 
NASS Wyoming Crop Progress and Condition report for the week ending July 23, 
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 at or 
above average temperatures for the week with the high temperature of 105 degrees 
recorded at Torrington and a low of 37 degrees at Lake Yellowstone.  Four 
stations reported no precipitation and Sundance had the most precipitation with 
1.24 inches.  Twenty-eight of the 34 stations received below normal 
precipitation.  A reporter from Northwest Wyoming indicted that the spring rains 
brought on good grass which is now drying out, bringing on fire danger concerns.  
A reporter from North Central Wyoming noted that they have had a hot weather 
pattern with over 90 degrees, wind, and no measurable rain.  They also indicated 
that water supplies are becoming short and farmers are preparing for harvest.  A 
reporter from Western Wyoming stated that it has been hot and dry with some 
thunderstorm activity but not much moisture.  A reporter from South Central 
Wyoming reported continued hot and dry conditions with pastures drying up.  They 
also indicated that hay harvest is in full swing with production below average.  
Another reporter from South Central Wyoming noted that water supplies are drying 
up and producers are pulling livestock off summer pastures early due to poor 
grass nutritional value and/or a lack of grass.  A reporter from Southeast 
Wyoming indicated that there has been some of rain, but most areas received 
little moisture and hot, dry conditions persist.  Stock water supplies across 
Wyoming were rated 6 percent very short, 15 percent short, and 79 percent 
adequate.  Alfalfa crop condition is 5 percent very poor, 13 percent poor, 19 
percent fair, and 63 percent good.  Alfalfa second cutting is 32 percent 
complete.  The NASS South Dakota Crop Progress and Condition Report for the week 
ending July 23, 2017 states that showers and thunderstorms brought much needed 
rain to portions of north and east central South Dakota, according to the USDA’s 
National Agricultural Statistics Service.  Rainfall totals ranged from one-third 
to over two inches.  Some storms turned severe producing localized damage from 
wind and hail.  Overall, statewide moisture conditions remain short to very 
short as last week’s rainfall was not widespread.  Wheat harvest continued ahead 
of average, while third-cutting alfalfa began in some portions of the State.  
Topsoil moisture supplies rated 43 percent very short, 39 short, 17 adequate, 
and 1 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 42 percent very short, 39 short, 
19 adequate, and 0 surplus.  Alfalfa condition rated 51 percent very poor, 31 
poor, 11 fair, 7 good, and 0 excellent.  Alfalfa second cutting was 41 percent, 
behind 51 last year and 55 average.  Third cutting was 1 percent.  The NASS 
Nebraska Crop Progress and Condition Report for the week ending July 23, 2017 
states that temperatures averaged four to eight degrees above normal, according 
to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.  Measureable rainfall 
was received in the northern and southeastern parts of Nebraska.  Topsoil 
moisture supplies rated 31 percent very short, 40 short, 29 adequate, and 0 
surplus.  Subsoil moisture supplies rated 24 percent very short, 42 short, 34 
adequate, and 0 surplus.  Alfalfa condition rated 6 percent very poor, 15 poor, 
33 fair, 38 good, and 8 excellent.  Alfalfa second cutting was 96 percent 
complete, ahead of 90 last year and 83 average.  Third cutting was 22 percent, 
near 19 last year.  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: Good 125.00-130.00; Fair 115.00.
   Round Bales: Good 165.00; Fair 120.00.
  Grass/Alfalfa Mix
   Large Squares: Premium 160.00 DEL. 
   No reported quotes for other classes of hay.

Central and Western Wyoming
  Alfalfa
   Large Squares: Premium 165.00, 100.00, rain damage.
   Small Squares: Premium 190.00 (6.00 per bale).
  Alfalfa/Orchard Grass Mix
   Small Squares: Premium 200.00 (6.50 per bale).
   No reported quotes for other classes of hay. 

Western Nebraska
  Alfalfa
   Ground and Delivered: 135.00.
  Wheat Straw
   Contracted standing 67.50.
   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.