Weekly East River South Dakota Hay Market

All prices per ton, unless noted, FOB the stack.

   Compared to last week:  All classes of hay steady.  Demand just
moderate currently.  There was slight improvement in the U.S. Drought
Monitor Map as rains have brought relief to Eastern South Dakota,
central and Western SD remain gripped in Severe to Extreme drought.
The low cost of corn is tempering demand for dry hay as cattlemen
look for ways to cheapen their rations.  The opening of CRP acres
for haying and grazing has kept the hay market from getting as
high as some producers had thought.  The prevalent rain East River
has really made it challenging to put up quality hay.  The weather
has been cool and damp with morning fog and very heavy dews that
don’t burn off until noon, making for terrible hay curing conditions.
Hot weather forecast for the weekend but a cool front is set to arrive
Monday with highs in the 60’s and 70’s.  All hay and straw sold by the
ton FOB, unless otherwise noted.

   Alfalfa:  Supreme:  Large Squares, 165.00-200.00.  Premium:  Large
Squares, 150.00-165.00; Small Squares, 6.00 per bale.  Good:  Large
Squares, 145.00-150.00; Large Rounds, 120.00.  Fair:  Large
Squares.  Utility to Fair:  Large Squares, 100.00-115.00.  Utility:
Large Squares, 90.00.

   Sun-cured Alfalfa pellets:  15 pct 160.00; 17 pct 165.00.  Alfalfa
Meal: 17 pct 170.00.

   Alfalfa/Grass Mix:  Premium:  Large Squares, 150.00.  Good to Premium:
Large Rounds, 120.00 Delivered Short Haul.

   Grass:  Premium:  Large Rounds, 130.00; Small Squares, 4.50 per bale.
Good:  Large Rounds, 120.00 Delivered 60 miles.  Fair:  Large Rounds and
Squares, 90.00-115.00.

   Straw:  Large Rounds, 75.00 out of the field; Large Squares 80.00 out
of the field; 100.00 stacked at the yard.  Large Rounds, 95.00 Delivered
Short Haul.

   Cornstalks:  Large Squares, 60.00.