Forage Fodder: 2025

Monday, August 25, 2025

Hay Market Report for the Upper Midwest

State-By-State Hay Summary

Colorado—In the Aug. 14 report, trade activity and demand moderate. Small squares of horse hay sold mostly steady. Next report will be released Aug. 28.

Missouri—In the Aug. 7 report, compared to last report, hay movement has been slow, prices are steady to weak, supplies are heavy and demand is light. Rains have made noted improvement in drought conditions. Pastures in the state continue to be some of the highest rated in the nation and much better than those in neighboring states. Once again this year, a few farmers who were lucky enough to get started early between spring rains are cutting grass hay for a second time and if fall goes well, they could likely get a third cutting if they choose to keep baling. This is very uncommon for grass hay in the state. Extreme heat over the last week has made being out a bit less enjoyable, especially if you had to spend the day on an open station tractor but it has allowed for several to get back to making hay as along as they weren’t under one of those previously mentioned storms that dropped multiple inches of rain.

Nebraska—In the Aug. 14 report, compared to two weeks ago, comparable offerings of small squares, round bales, dehydrated pellets and ground and delivered hay sold steady. Demand was light. High humidity, rain showers have produced quite a lot of poor quality hay this summer. Agriculture people really hate to complain about all the rain, but hay producers would sure like a week of sunshine and warm weather without rain to get some good or better quality hay produced. There will be several thousand tons utility to fair quality alfalfa hay wrapped in bales this season. Per the drought monitor only some spots in the state are showing abnormally dry conditions. Most of the state is in pretty good condition for moisture due to all the blessings from good ole Mother Nature since May.

Oklahoma—In the Aug. 8 report, compared to last report, demand is slow. There are some movements, but not enough for a trend for all types of hay. Many in Oklahoma have been able to bale hay over the past few weeks. Some areas are requesting another rain shower to see if they can get one more cutting of hay, while others are in good shape with the amount that they have baled this year. Heat and high humidity in Oklahoma are the norm. Next report will be released Aug. 22.

Texas—In the Aug. 8 report, compared to last report, hay prices are mostly steady across all regions with light to moderate demand. Moderate supplies were reported in all regions. The next available hay report will be Aug. 22.

South Dakota—In the Aug. 8 report, compared to last report, light demand for all types and qualities of hay, very few reported sales as buyers are showing little interest currently. As there was a good sized carryover of hay from last year, and difficult haying conditions this year, there is a good supply of rained on, lower quality hay. Area hay auctions are seeing plenty of this type of hay on a weekly basis. The rains, and storms, have been frequent this summer and when coupled with the high humidity have prevented hay growers from putting up high quality hay.

New Mexico—In the Aug. 8 report, compared to last report, hay market was mostly steady to weak.

Wyoming—In the Aug. 7 report, compared to the last report, reported sales were mostly steady. Demand was light. Many producers focused on second cutting and finishing it up before moving the first cutting inventory. Old crop supply dwindling down. Dairy quality hay is low with reports of quality being pretty poor in some regions. Reports of rainfall helping out from a few producers in eastern region with central and western areas remaining dry.

Montana—In the Aug. 8 report, compared to last report, hay sold generally steady. Demand was not as robust over the last two weeks as it was the previous two weeks. Summer rains in drought stricken areas have helped soften demand slightly. Demand this week was still moderate to good with many producers reporting large sales. Demand and hay prices both increase as FOB locations move north. Hay along the highline is the highest priced hay in the state, however very little hay is available for sale. Delivered prices for hay to the highline remain high but have moderated slightly. Delivered prices were mostly $200 to $230 over the last two weeks. A large supply of hail and rain on hay is on the market. However, most early purchases have been high quality hay with little to no rain or hail damage. Additionally, late summer rains have been detrimental to malt barley and wheat production, especially in southern Montana, as many producers report sprouting in the head due to high moisture levels. This is putting large volumes of feed on the market. Drought conditions have contracted over the western and northern portions of the state. Cattle herd expansion is on the minds of many ranchers and many are purchasing hay and grain hay ahead of winter as they try to fine enough feed to sustain extra mouths. Producers in southern and eastern Montana are wrapping up second cutting and have started irrigating third. Central Montana and along the highline are wrapping up first or starting second. Market activity was mostly moderate this secession.