Bi-Weekly Montana Hay Report

Compared to last report: New crop alfalfa hay has hit the market and moderate
to good demand was seen for all hay in squares. Hay market activity was mostly
active over the last two weeks with lots of hay being sold and beginning to move. 
Hay in rounds continues to struggle as many cattlemen are putting up their own
hay and have carry-over from last year. Much of first cutting received at least 
some rain which has limited the volume of high quality hay available. Some producers 
had hay down for 10-15 days or more before finally getting it bailed. Much of this 
hay sold or is selling for or near bedding price. Some producers opted to rerun it 
through the swather and bail it with second cutting. Demand for grass hay is very 
good especially in squares. Much of this hay is selling into Canada. Demand for straw
is good as dairies in Idaho are searching for straw. However, harvest for both wheat
and barley have yet to start so no confirmed sales can be found. All prices below are 
new crop hay unless otherwise noted. All prices are dollars per ton and FOB unless 
otherwise noted.


                                                    
                                              
Alfalfa:   Supreme:  Small squares, NA
                     Large squares, 160.00-165.00 
                     Large rounds,  NA
           Premium:  Large squares, 160.00-180.00
                     Large rounds,  NA
                     Small squares, NA
           Good:     Large squares, 130.00  
                     Large rounds,  NA
                     Small squares, 175.00-180.00
         Fair/Good:  Large squares, 115.00-125.00, old crop 120.00
                     Large rounds,  80.00-100.00
                     Small Squares, NA
           Utility   Large rounds,  40.00-60.00
                     Large squares, 95.00-100.00

Grass/                
Alfalfa:   Premium:  Small squares, 180.00
           Good:     Large rounds,  145.00  
                     Small squares, NA
                     Large squares, NA
           Fair:     Large squares, NA
                     Large rounds,  75.00-90.00
                     Small squares, NA
           Utility:  Large squares, NA

  
Grass:     Premium   Large squares  175.00, Export
                     Large rounds,  125.00
                     Small squares, NA
           Good:     Small squares, 130.00-160.00
                     Large rounds,  110.00
           Fair:     Large squares, 100.00-125.00
                     Large rounds,  NA
                     Small squares, NA
           Utility:  Large rounds,  65.00-75.00
                     Large squares, NA
                     Small squares, NA          
     

Timothy 
Grass:     Premium:  Small squares, 240.00-270.00
           Premium:  Large rounds,  NA
           Good:     Large rounds,  NA
                     Small squares, 160.00-180.00
           

Barley                Large squares, NA
straw:                Large rounds,  NA
                      Small squares, NA
                  

Wheat straw:

South central        Large squares, NA
                     Large rounds,  NA
Northern             Large squares, NA
                     Large rounds,  NA

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