Forage Fodder: August 2023

Tuesday, August 29, 2023

Iowa Direct Hay Report

Hay Market Demand and Price Report for the Upper Midwest

Demand and Sales Comments

Dry conditions have a strain on hay supplies. Top quality alfalfa continues to have a steady to strong market. Lower quality hay is discounted. Many are looking ahead to corn silage harvest soon to fill forage void. 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. Limited supply at the auctions. Small square bales averaged $4.60 a bale (range of $3.50 to $7.00). Large square bale straw averaged $63.00 per bale (a range of $30.00 to $75.00). Large round bale straw averaged $58.00 per bale (a range of $33.00 to $83.00).

In Nebraska, alfalfa hay is selling unsettled this week. Some grass lots were discounted. Demand is light and variable.

In South Dakota, Prices are steady with good demand. Rain in some areas of state have reduced drought.

In Missouri, supply is light; prices are steady. Many are harvesting any hay available at this time.

In Kansas, trade and demand are very slow with steady prices. Scattered rain has helped the stat drought situation.

In Wisconsin, prices for hay are steady to strong. Hay yields are down in 2023. Dry weather concerns are in areas in the state.