Hay Market Demand and Price Report for the Upper Midwest

Demand and Sales Comments
Hay prices are steady to strong. Hay shortage is a general conversation as a result lower quality hay has increased in price. Reviewing hay prices from February 2018, all grades of hay have increased an average of $45.00 per ton.

For Nebraska, hay sold steady this week. Cattlemen have been relying on stalk fields this winter to carry cows, thou with calving season beginning plus cold weather many are supplementing hay. For Iowa, hay and bedding sales increased this week. Limited quality hay is available at the auctions.

In South Dakota, quality hay in general is in a limited supply. There was very good demand for hay with sub-arctic temperatures this past week.

For Missouri, ice was a problem in many areas this week. Supply is light to moderate with steady to firm prices.

In Southwest Minnesota, prices were steady with limited supply of quality hay.

In Wisconsin, prices are strong with demand for all classes of hay. Shortage of quality hay has pushed prices higher in the state. Lower quality hay is coming to market and buyers are lowering their standards and purchase what is available.

Straw prices include oat, barley, or wheat straw, not soybean straw. Prices were steady to strong as there is a strong demand for straw. Small square bales averaged $4.20 a bale (range of $1.75 to $6.00). Large square bale straw averaged $48.00 per bale (a wide range of $30.00 to $77.00). Large round bale straw averaged $52.00 per bale (a range of $47.00 - $65.00). Wheat straw typically will demand a slightly higher price and overall straw quality does impact the price.

#completeforageprogram