South Dakota Weekly Hay Summary

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

   Compared to last week:  On a light reported volume, all classes of
hay remain steady.  Good demand for high feed value alfalfa, only
moderate for lower quality alfalfa.  Dairies are in need of this high
quality hay but low milk prices are causing them to balk at buying
hay at these price levels.  Very good demand for high quality grass hay
as supplies, East River, are more limited.  The very high humidity, East
River, along with rains at the wrong time are making it very difficult
again to make high quality alfalfa or grass hay.  With the dew points
in the 60s and 70s the dews are very heavy in the morning, along with
pockets of fog and are slow to burn off.  Hay is unable to dry down and
cure quickly because of these very moist conditions.  Rain in the
southeast part of the state again this week as many hay growers made
their third cutting.  Drought conditions in central SD, with the worst
of it being from the Huron area and intensifying to the north beyond
Aberdeen.  Very hot weather last week saw this area expand quickly.
All hay and straw sold by the ton FOB, unless otherwise noted. 

East River:
   Alfalfa:  Premium: Large Squares, 200.00; Small Squares, 210.00 (6.50
per bale).  Good to Premium:  Large Squares, 170.00.  Good:  Large
Squares, 150.00-160.00.  Fair:  Large Rounds, 120.00.  Utility:  Large
Rounds and Squares, 100.00.

   Sun-cured Alfalfa pellets:  15 pct 185.00; 17 pct 190.00.  Alfalfa
Meal:  17 pct 195.00.  

   Alfalfa/Grass Mix:  Premium:  Small Squares, 200.00.  Good:  Large
Rounds, 150.00. 

   Grass:  Premium:  Small Squares, 5.00-5.50 per bale.  Good:  Large
Rounds, 140.00.  Fair:  Large Rounds, 120.00.  Utility:  Large Rounds,
100.00

   Cornstalks:  No Reported Sales.

   Straw:  Small Squares, 4.00 per bale. 

West River:
   Alfalfa:  No Reported Sales.

   Alfalfa/Grass Mix:  No Reported Sales. 

   Grass:  No Reported Sales.

   Straw:  No Reported Sales.