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.  
The NASS Colorado Crop Progress and Condition report for the week ending August 
13, 2017 states that widespread moisture was generally received across the state 
last week, improving crop conditions but delaying fieldwork, according to the 
Mountain Regional Field Office of the National Agricultural Statistics Service, 
USDA.  Locally moderate to heavy precipitation and cooler temperatures improved 
rangeland conditions and replenished soil moisture supplies. In northeastern 
counties, pasture and dryland crop conditions improved due to moisture, with 
irrigated crops also remaining in good condition.  Irrigation water supplies are 
reported to be adequate and available through crop maturity, although some 
dryland crops stressed due to previous lack of moisture are likely to see 
decreased yields.  A reporter in Weld County noted that considerable crop-
damaging hail was observed last week. A reporter in southwestern Colorado noted 
that rain delayed alfalfa cutting and winter wheat harvest.  In the San Luis 
Valley, rain also continues to hamper barley maturation and harvest, as well as 
alfalfa cutting and baling.  Isolated hail reportedly damaged alfalfa and 
barley.  Quality of alfalfa hay was noted to be diminished due to wet 
conditions.  In southeastern counties, delays to alfalfa harvest were noted 
again this week due to rain with poor quality reported.  Isolated hail was 
reported with some damage sustained to crops in those localities.  Statewide, 
harvest of hay and small grains was behind the average by week’s end due to 
weather conditions.  Pasture and Range conditions were rated 8 percent poor, 24 
percent fair, 59 percent good, and 9 percent excellent.  Alfalfa crop condition 
was rated 4 percent very poor, 13 percent poor, 25 percent fair, 52 percent 
good, and 6 percent excellent.  Alfalfa second cutting is 86 percent complete 
and third cutting is 28 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: Premium 190.00, small lot. 
   Small Squares: Premium 240.00-250.00 (7.25-7.50 per bale), small lot.
   Haylage: 32% Dry Matter 56.00 DEL.
  Grass
   Large Squares: Premium 225.00, small lot; Good 180.00-190.00.
  Orchard Grass
   Small Squares: Premium 275.00 (8.25 per bale), small lot.
   No reported quotes for all other classes of hay.

Southeast Colorado Areas
  Alfalfa
   Large Squares: Good 130.00.
   Small Squares: Supreme 200.00.
  Grass
   Small Squares: Premium 245.00 (6.50 per bale), retail.
   Round Bales: Premium 170.00.
   No reported quotes for all other classes of hay.

San Luis Valley Area
  Alfalfa
   Large Squares: Supreme 180.00; Premium 150.00-165.00; Fair 105.00; Utility 
80.00-85.00.
   No reported quotes for all other classes of hay.

Southwest Colorado Areas
  Orchard Grass
   Small Squares: Premium 290.00 (13.00 per bale), retail.
   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.
  Oat
   Round Bales: Good 100.00.
   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.