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 30, 
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.  Twenty-eight of the 34 stations reported 
above average temperatures for the week with the high temperature of 102 degrees 
recorded at Torrington and a low of 36 degrees at Lake Yellowstone.  Two 
stations (Afton and Evanston) reported no precipitation and Lake Yellowstone had 
the most precipitation with 2.52 inches.  Twenty of the 34 stations received 
above normal precipitation.  A reporter from North Central Wyoming indicted that 
thunderstorm/torrential rains hit causing flash floods and damaging some crops.  
A reporter from Western Wyoming noted that it is getting very dry.  A reporter 
from South Central Wyoming stated that they have received some rain over the 
past week which has slowed haying but not enough to help plant growth.  A 
reporter from Southeast Wyoming indicated that they got some good moisture this 
week.  They also indicated that there is some green in the foothills but brown 
elsewhere.  Stock water supplies across Wyoming were rated 5 percent very short, 
17 percent short, and 78 percent adequate.  Alfalfa crop condition is 4 percent 
very poor, 11 percent poor, 15 percent fair, 69 percent good, and 1 percent 
excellent.  Alfalfa second cutting is 47 percent complete.  The NASS South 
Dakota Crop Progress and Condition Report for the week ending July 30, 2017 
states that scattered showers and thunderstorms brought needed moisture to some 
areas; however, rainfall totals varied widely, leaving some locations with 
little to no precipitation, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural 
Statistics Service.  Soil moisture ratings improved slightly with last week’s 
rain, but remained predominately short to very short statewide.  Alfalfa 
condition rated 51 percent very poor, 33 poor, 10 fair, 6 good, and 0 excellent.  
Alfalfa second cutting was 50 percent, behind 61 last year and 68 average. Third 
cutting was 13 percent.  Pasture and range condition rated 41 percent very poor, 
30 poor, 18 fair, and 11 good.  The NASS Nebraska Crop Progress and Condition 
Report for the week ending July 30, 2017 states that temperatures averaged near 
normal, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.  
Significant rainfall of an inch or more was received across most of the State.  
A few north central counties received as much as four inches of rain.  Alfalfa 
condition rated 5 percent very poor, 15 poor, 32 fair, 40 good, and 8 excellent.  
Alfalfa third cutting was 48 percent complete, ahead of 38 last year and 35 
average.  Pasture and range conditions rated 13 percent very poor, 20 poor, 38 
fair, 26 good, and 3 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: Good 125.00-130.00; Fair 115.00-120.00.
   Round Bales: Fair 115.00-120.00.
   No reported quotes for other classes of hay.

Central and Western Wyoming
  Alfalfa
   Large Squares: Premium 165.00.
   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.
   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.