Dakota Hay Auction - Corsica, SD (Monday)

Iowa Direct Hay Report

Rock Valley Hay Auction (Mon) - Rock Valley, IA

USDA Hay Markets – December 16, 2025

Hay Market Report for the Upper Midwest

Dakota Hay Auction - Corsica, SD (Seasonal - Friday)

Regional Hay Prices

State-By-State Hay Markets

Colorado—In Dec. 4 report, compared to the last report, trade activity light on moderate demand. Small squares and medium square 3×3’s of horse hay sold unevenly steady. The next available report will be Dec. 18.

New Mexico—In Nov. 26 report, compared to the last report, the hay market appeared steady to firm. As the season winds down, New Mexico is finishing it’s last cut. There appears to be a pretty good inventory available for winter sales. This is the last report for this year. The next report will be around the first of May 2026.

Missouri—In the Dec. 4 report, the first snow provided a slight boost to hay movement and demand. The supply of hay is moderate to heavy and at this time there isn’t any concerns with feed availability. Even though the growing season is over winter moisture is needed before spring arrives. Prices are mostly steady. The Missouri Department of Agriculture has a hay directory at https://apps.mda.mo.gov/haydirectory or visit the University of Missouri Extension feed stuff finder at https://feedstufffinder.org.

Nebraska—In the Dec. 4 report, compared to last report demand remains mostly light with some buyer inquiry picking up in the east after the snow last weekend. Dehy operators still cutting alfalfa that has been dormant and making it into dehy pellets. Reporting either side of a ½ ton per acre after going through the dehydration chamber. Interesting, this late in the year are most of the alfalfa is still rather green. Some farmers continue to bale cornstalk residue. But, not as many cornstalk bales sitting around the area as previous years.

 Oklahoma—In the Dec. 5 report, compared to the last report, We have seen some movement, but not enough to call it steady. Cattle are still selling, and most barns are still full of hay.  The next report release will be on Dec. 19.

Texas—In the Nov. 14 report, compared to the last report, hay prices were steady with good demand. Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, the next available hay report will be Dec. 12.

South Dakota— In the Nov. 14 report, compared to last report, Light demand for all types of hay currently. Corn harvest finishing up as some areas were a little slower waiting for corn to dry down in the field.

Wyoming— In Nov. 26 report, compared to two weeks ago,  hay prices sold steady. Demand was moderate, instances good demand from out of state buyers.

Montana— In Nov. 28 report, compared to two weeks ago, Hay sold unevenly steady. A two tier market is starting to develop as hay in the northern portion of the state has seen prices remain steady to firm while the same class of hay sold in the southern portions of the state have softened over the past few weeks. Sales have been limited on light demand. Many producers in the southern portion of the state continue to hold onto supplies as demand has been very light.

Montana Direct Hay Report

Texas Direct Hay Report

Washington-Oregon (Columbia Basin) Direct Hay Report

South Dakota Direct Hay Report

Idaho Direct Hay Report

Rock Valley Hay Auction (Thur) - Rock Valley, IA

Pressure on hay market builds amidst weak demand

U.S. hay production remained relatively stable this year, posting a modest 0.8% increase compared to the previous season. Prices, however, have remained subdued reflecting heavy inventories and weak demand. Many regions report prices $5 to $10 below last year’s already low levels, with good-quality alfalfa hay averaging $130 to $170 per ton and grass hay ranging from $180 to $260 per ton. At the same time, input costs continue to weigh on producers. USDA Prices Paid Index climbed nearly 10% year over year in August, driven largely by higher fuel costs.

Domestic demand has been sluggish across much of the western U.S. Some hay growers have cut prices to move inventory, while others are holding stocks in anticipation of winter demand. Record warm fall weather and unusually late snowfall allowed ranchers to keep cattle on pasture longer, delaying supplemental feed purchases. However, a cold snap in late November is expected to boost winter feed purchases.

Exports have also been under pressure. August hay shipments fell 6% year over year, following a weak July that saw a 24% decline from 2024 levels. Many exporters continue to hold large alfalfa inventories. While China’s recent tariff reduction, from 34% to 10% on U.S. hay, offers some optimism, challenges persist. China’s shrinking dairy herd and price sensitivity limit upside potential for U.S. exporters. Japan and South Korea remain key buyers, but overall export volumes are well below historical norms.

Looking ahead, producers are cautiously optimistic that colder weather will lift domestic hay demand. However, high input costs, weak export activity, and heavy inventories suggest continued price pressure through early 2026. Strategic marketing and inventory management will be critical as growers navigate a challenging environment.  

Profitability

Hay (alfalfa): Breakeven profitability - Neutral 12-month outlook
Hay (timothy): Slightly profitable - Neutral 12-month outlook

Profitability is expected to stay under pressure as sluggish demand, weak prices, and cheaper alternative feed options weigh on alfalfa growers.

Timothy hay demand has improved recently, particularly in premium export segments, providing some price stability.

Missouri Direct Hay Report

Wyoming Direct Hay Report

Southwest Missouri Hay Auction - Golden City, MO