Forage Fodder: April 2021

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

Hay Market Demand and Price Report for the Upper Midwest

Demand and Sales Comments

It’s the end of April and the market is stronger as many farmers are maybe running short or the grass isn’t growing as fast as they would prefer. Dairy quality hay is in demand while lower quality hay has had some downward pressure. April does provide some impulse buying as hay mows are running short of forage and grass isn’t ready to support livestock. If you need forage or have forage to sell or straw, connect to the Farmer-to-Farmer webpage at http://farmertofarmer.uwex.edu/. You may contact your local county agriculture educator if you need help placing an ad. There is no charge for the service.

Straw prices are for oat, barley, or wheat straw. Straw prices are steady with a limited supply of straw at the auction. Small square bales averaged $4.00 a bale (range of $3.00 to $6.00). Large square bale straw averaged $34.00 per bale (a range of $20.00 to $56.00). Large round bale straw averaged $33.00 per bale (a range of $30.00 - $35.00).

In Nebraska, hay sales were steady with good demand. With increase in grain prices it may move alfalfa higher. Field work has begun and crops are being planted.

In Iowa, supply is good, demand is steady, and prices are steady.

In South Dakota, few reported sales this week. Alfalfa hay prices were steady. Demand is moderate. Most of demand is out of state dairy quality hay. There was a lighter supply of hay this week at the auctions.

In Missouri, prices are steady and the hay business is slowing down. Some cold weather may have frosted new growth on alfalfa.

In Southwest Minnesota, prices were steady with a supply of lower quality hay at the market. In Kansas, market prices were steady. Demand is light to moderate. Most of the hay on the move is to finish old contracts. Cold weather may have frosted young alfalfa plants.

In Wisconsin, prices are steady for dairy quality hay. Lower quality or higher moisture hay is being discounted.