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 and may cause a shortage in grass hay for the year.  The NASS Colorado 
Crop Progress and Condition report for the week ending July 30, 2017 states that 
widespread monsoonal moisture was received across the state this past week, 
improving rangeland and crop conditions, according to the Mountain Regional 
Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, USDA.  Fieldwork 
was halted in areas where precipitation was the heaviest.  In northwestern 
counties, reporters noted rain has improved dry conditions, but stalled hay 
harvest this past week.  Reporters in northeastern counties noted that while 
rain was beneficial, many areas are still suffering due to prolonged heat and 
lack of precipitation.  Several dryland spring crop fields are noted to be very 
uneven and decreased production is a concern.  In southwestern counties, good 
moisture was received, but delayed winter wheat harvest and the second cutting 
of alfalfa.  In the San Luis Valley, reporters noted heavy rain was received in 
areas with localized flooding.  The rain delayed swathing and baling of second 
cutting alfalfa where wettest.  Stored feed supplies were rated 1 percent very 
short, 4 percent short, 86 percent adequate, and 9 percent surplus.  Sheep death 
loss was 2 percent heavy, 56 percent average, and 42 percent light.  Cattle 
death loss was 1 percent heavy, 65 percent average, and 34 percent light.  
Alfalfa crop condition was rated 11 percent poor, 27 percent fair, 54 percent 
good, and 8 percent excellent.  Alfalfa second cutting is 68 percent complete 
and third cutting is 9 percent complete.  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: Good 155.00 DEL; Good/Fair 140.00 DEL; Utility 115.00 DEL. 
  Grass
   Large Squares: Premium 200.00; Good 180.00-190.00.
   Small Squares: Good 215.00 (7.00 per bale).
  Wheat Straw
   Large Squares: Good 70.00 DEL.
   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; Fair 115.00, rain damaged.
  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.
   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.