Weekly Montana Hay Report

Compared to last week:  Hay prices sold mostly 10.00-15.00 lower 
as the market continues to fully establish itself. Heavy hay 
supplies continue to weigh on producers. Dry land hay production 
has been outstanding as many fields are being cut that have been 
used as pasture over the past few years. Rains have added to the 
excess loads of utility and fair quality hay as many fields have 
seen some rain before it was bailed. With heavy supplies of lower 
quality hay on the market producers have been forced to price hay 
lower in order to move supplies. Notably, demand from southern,
drought ridden states continues to be mostly good, especially for 
higher quality hay. This has put a divide in square and round bail 
prices, with squares getting the price advantage due to shipping ease. 
The straw market continues to establish itself as well. Demand for
straw was moderate to good this week. All prices are dollars per ton 
and FOB unless otherwise noted.


                                              
Alfalfa:   Supreme:  Small squares, 200.00-250.00
                     Large squares, 180.00 old crop
           Premium:  Large squares, NA    
                     Large rounds,  NA
                     Small squares, NA
           Good:     Large squares, 120.00-130.00   
                     Large rounds,  115.00-130.00
                     Small squares, NA
         Fair/Good:  Large squares, 90.00-115.00
                     Large rounds,  85.00-110.00
                     Small Squares, NA
           Utility   Large rounds,  60.00-90.00
                     Large squares, 70.00-90.00

Grass/                
Alfalfa:   Premium:  Small squares, NA
           Good:     Large rounds,  NA   
                     Small squares, NA
                     Large squares, 125.00-135.00
           Fair:     Large squares, 115.00
                     Large rounds,  105.00-110.00
                     Small squares, 120.00-130.00
           Utility:  Large squares, 70.00-90.00


Grass:     Premium   Large rounds,  NA
                     Small squares, 200.00
           Good:     Small squares, 185.00
                     Large rounds,  120.00
           Fair:     Large squares, 125.00
                     Large rounds,  115.00-125.00
           Utility:  Large rounds,  100.00
                     Large squares, NA
                     Small squares, 130.00
     

Timothy 
Grass:     Premium:  Small squares, 240.00, old crop; 210.00, new crop
           Premium:  Large rounds,  NA
           Good:     Large rounds,  NA
                     Small squares, 160.00-180.00
           

Barley                Large squares, 40.00-45.00
straw:                Large rounds,  40.00-50.00
                      Small squares, NA
                  

Wheat straw:

South central        Large squares, 35.00-40.00
                     Large rounds,  NA
Northern             Large squares, 35.00-40.00
                     Large rounds,  NA