South Dakota Weekly Hay Summary

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

   Compared to last week:  All hay and bedding materials sold steady to higher this
past week.  Demand is good to very good, as the cold wet spring has increased the 
need for betting materials and delayed pasture turnout.  Interest is very good from
all areas of the state.  Hay supplies are very tight as last summers drought conditions
and the cold snowy winter had many cattle feeders and ranchers using up their reserve
stores they had on hand. Spring may had finally arrived, as temperatures are returning
to more normal levels and things are starting to dry up a little.  Very little spring
field work has been done yet, however if the weather holds over the weekend field work
will be going hard this coming week.  The US Drought Montior released on April 26th,
has 41 percent of the state experiencing Abnormally Dry to Moderate Drought conditons for
counties in the northern two tiers of counties and much of the western half of the state.
All hay and straw sold by the ton FOB, unless otherwise noted. 

East River:
   Alfalfa:  Premium:  Large Squares, 180.00.  Good:  Large Squares, 155.00-165.00;
Large Rounds, Delivered 30 miles 160.00.  Fair:  Large Squares, 145.00; Large Rounds, 140.00.

   Sun-cured Alfalfa pellets:  15 pct 175.00; 17 pct 180.00.  Alfalfa
Meal:  17 pct 185.00.  

   Alfalfa/Grass Mix:  Good:  Large Rounds, 135.00.

   Grass:  Premium:  Large Rounds, 135.00.  Good:  Large Rounds, 110.00.
Fair:  Large Rounds, 100.00.  

   Wheat Straw:  Large Squares, 125.00-135.00; Delivered 30 miles 140.00.  
Large Rounds, 80.00-120.00.

   Cornstalks:  Large Rounds, 70.00.

West River:
   Alfalfa:  Premium:  Large Rounds, 185.00 Del.

   Alfalfa/Grass Mix:  Good:  Large Rounds, 165.00 Del.

   Grass:  Premium:  Large Rounds, 185.00 Del. Good to Premium:  Large Rounds, 165.00 Del.

   Straw:  Large Rounds 130.00 Del.

   Cornstalks:  Large Rounds, 120.00 Del.