Iowa Hay Summary

Week Ending  July 27

Producers continue to look for good quality bedding and high quality dairy hay.
This past week appeared to be a sellers market as the bottomw side of the market for 
almost all categories moved higher.  Top side of the market appears to be set at the 
current time.  Spotty rains showered Iowa, however these showers continue to miss south
east Iowa, expanding drought conditions in that portion of the state.  

Alfalfa   Premium  Large Squares  $300.00 - $350.00
                                 Small Squares          $350.00 - $375.00 

Alfalfa/Grass  Premium  Large Squares  $250.00 - $285.00
                                 Small Squares          $190.00 - $230.00 
    Good  Large Squares  $155.00 - $190.00
            Small Squares          $135.00 - $175.00
                        
Grass   Good  Large Squares          $130.00 - $155.00
                                 Large Rounds           $125.00 - $140.00
                        Fair     Large  Rounds  $ 90.00 - $120.00
   Utility  Large Rounds  $ 55.00 - $ 85.00

Oat Hay                 Good     Large Square  $110.00 - $145.00
                                 Large Rounds           $100.00 - $140.00
                                 Small Squares          $133.00 - $178.00

Straw   Oat  Large Square  $ 62.00 - $ 90.00
                          Large Rounds           $ 65.00 - $ 80.00
                                 Small Squares          $165.00 - $175.00 
                        Rye      Large Rounds           $ 30.00 - $ 50.00
                                 Small Squares          $100.00 - $200.00
                        Wheat  Large Squares          $100.00 - $120.00
                                 Small Squares          $150.00 - $165.00
                                 Large Rounds           $ 80.00 - $100.00

Cornstalks    Large Rounds  $ 30.00 - $ 30.50 
       
   
 
Certified Organic Hay:  Nothing to report this week.           

This Week's Drought Summary
Drought Report
Iowa farmers had 5.3 days suitable for fieldwork during the week ending July 22, 2018,
according to the USDA, National Agricultural Statistics Service. Some farmers had to 
spend time surveying damage from the tornadoes, high winds and hail that struck parts of
the State on Thursday. Regular activities included harvesting hay and applying chemicals.  
Topsoil moisture levels rated 3 percent very short, 12 percent short, 77 percent adequate 
and 8 percent surplus. Subsoil moisture levels rated 5 percent very short, 13 percent short,
74 percent adequate and 8 percent surplus. Flood-related nutrient loss and crop damage remain
a concern in the northern two-thirds of the State while subsoil moisture levels in south 
central and southeast Iowa considered short to very short are nearing 75 percent.
The second cutting of alfalfa hay reached 86 percent complete, 10 days ahead of average. Drier
conditions were favorable for harvesting hay. Hay condition rated 69 percent good to excellent. 
Pasture conditions declined slightly to 58 percent good to excellent. Cooler temperatures have
provided livestock with some relief from high temperatures experienced in previous weeks.