Forage Fodder: January 2024

Monday, January 29, 2024

State-by-state hay summary

Colorado—In the Jan. 18 report, compared to last report, trade activity light on moderate demand. Retail and stable hay sold mostly steady.

Missouri—In the Jan. 18 report, compared to last report, the supply of hay is light to moderate, demand is moderate, and prices mostly steady. A tough week for farmers in the state as extremely cold record breaking weather settled across the Midwest. Hay movement was minimal as transportation in many areas was near impossible. Farmers struggled just getting around to feed locally and dealing with all the headaches that come with the extreme low temperatures. NASS officially released hay production and stock numbers this past week. Those numbers did indeed reflect much lower supplies than historically normal but didn’t seem to paint the picture quite as negatively as many felt it was or should be related to what is being seen locally in most areas of the state.

Nebraska—In the Jan. 18 report, compared to last report, alfalfa bales in most areas sold steady except in the eastern areas was $10 higher. Grass hay steady instances $5 higher in the central area. Ground and delivered hay and alfalfa pellets steady. Demand was good in the east where large amounts of snow fell last week with light to moderate demand at best in other parts of the state. Some areas of the state remain open for winter grazing and hay demand in those areas is light.

Oklahoma—In the Jan. 19 report, compared to the last report, demand remains low. Overall, total hay bought and sold was up a little, with most producers reporting that they are still not trading much hay, with most trades being to previous clients. Many producers anticipate not much movement over the next couple of weeks, even with the cold temperatures and winter storms. . Next report will be released Feb. 2.

Texas—In the Jan. 12 report, compared to the last report, hay prices are mostly steady to firm across the majority of the regions. Hay trucks are still moving hay down the road but they are primarily delivering previously contracted hay. Trading activity was moderate on moderate to good buyer demand. The Southern region has received some much needed rain over the past couple weeks, but the majority of the other regions have just received colder temperatures and high winds. Below average temperatures are forecasted to move across much of the country and the state through the weekend and into the early part of next week. Winter weather and even colder wind chill temperatures will accompany the cool down. This will likely slow hay movement, but increase demand as producers will have to dip into there hay supplies to feed livestock. Next report will be released Jan. 26.

South Dakota—In the Jan. 19 report, compared to last report, alfalfa hay steady in a narrow comparison. Demand only moderate for all types of hay, dairy operators continue to deal with low milk prices which is causing them to balk at offered hay prices.

New Mexico—In the Nov. 24, 2023 report, compared to last report, alfalfa hay steady. Trade active, demand good. The the state is 73% complete with fifth cutting, 54% with sixth cutting. Most parts of the state are wrapping up harvest for the season. According to New Mexico Crop Progress report as of Nov. 12, 2023. Hay and roughage supplies improved slightly from the previous week but remained in worse condition than prior years. Hay and roughage supplies were observed to be 25% very short, 42% short, 30% adequate, and 3% surplus. At 14% very short, 37% short, 45% adequate, and 4% surplus, stock water supplies were on par with the 5-year average. This is the last report for the season, reports will resume in spring 2024.

Wyoming—In the Jan. 18 report, compared to last report, hay sales sold steady on a thin test. Demand was mostly light. Bitter cold temperatures with some snow across the region has not jumped started hay sales this week. Several reports that there is quite a lot of piles of hay sitting around still to sell. There would be a rather large amount of the utility to fair hay left to move along with some top end premium or better hay.

Montana—In the Jan. 19 report, compared to last report, hay sold steady to $10 lower in a narrow comparison. Hay sales were light again this week. Extreme cold was seen across the state all last weekend and through mid week this week. Record lows were broke all across the state. Many producers are hoping this cold snap spurs some buying, however limited movement was seen again this past week. Rancher to rancher sales continue to comprise most of the hay sales across the state. Large hay producers have lowered asking prices again in an attempt to move inventories. Some producers seem content to carry over hay as drought conditions are becoming more concerning, especially in far western Montana. Demand for straw is light as heavy straw supplies continue to be seen especially in the northern portion of the state. Limited straw sales have been seen.