Forage Fodder: March 2023

Tuesday, March 28, 2023

Hay Market Demand and Price Report for the Upper Midwest

Demand and Sales Comments

Prices are steady with signs of strength as we near the end of feeding season. Many cattlemen are looking to get cattle on grass soon, but many are in mud season. Cool temperatures are slowing snowmelt causing concerns on hay supply. If you have, questions on this report contact richard.halopka@wisc.edu. If you need forage or have forage to sell or straw, connect to the Farmer-to-Farmer website. 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. Small square bales averaged $5.20 a bale (range of $3.00 to $7.00). Large square bale straw averaged $51.00 per bale (a range of $28.00 to $78.00). Large round bale straw averaged $57.00 per bale (range of $30.00 – $75.00). There is a limited supply at auctions.

In Nebraska, Alfalfa sold steady. Demand was good; supply is tight with some extra hay hitting the market as some cattle farmers feel cattle will be on grass soon.

In South Dakota, all classes of hay prices remain steady. Snowmelt and mud are very common across the state.

In Missouri, supply is short, demand is moderate, and prices are steady. Wet weather and mud has not allowed spring work to really begin. Some are pushing cattle on to green grass.

In Kansas, prices are steady with good demand. Trade activity is slow. Concerns for the 2023 hay crop across the state.

In Wisconsin, prices for dairy quality hay are steady. Overall Wisconsin has a good supply of forage. Dairy hay prices are good, but lower quality may be discounted.