State-By-State Hay Summary

Colorado—In the March 6 report, trade activity and demand light. Prices remain unchanged on all hay types. Dairies in northeast Colorado are setting corn silage offers to local farmers at 8.5 times the December corn board with the floor price ranging $35-$40/ton at 30% to 35% dry matter. Alfalfa standing offers in northeast Colorado dropped this week from $120 standing down to $100 standing on 90% dry matter.

Missouri—In the March 6 report, compared to last report, hay prices are unevenly steady on most types of hay, extremely high-quality equine hay is steady to firm. The supply of hay is moderate to heavy, and demand is light to moderate. Up and down weather has slowed some field work, but some producers are still feeding hay. Despite the fact there hasn’t been any extended periods of snow cover this feeding season most farmers have stated it seems they have fed a lot of hay this year. Even with that there remains a lot of hay still setting around in the country. Overall, the hay market has held very well as the amount of feeding days draw shorter.

Nebraska—In the March 6 report, compared to last report, alfalfa hay and grass hay steady. Ground and delivered hay steady to $5 lower and alfalfa pellets steady. Demand was mostly light, instances moderate for hay bales. Good demand for alfalfa pellets to be reconditioned into livestock feed. Many contact state each week they have a lot of bales of feed still waiting to be sold. Few, prospective buyers think the hay price is relative cheap and buying some loads just to have on hand for the “what if” comes along this year.

Oklahoma—In the Feb. 28 report, compared to the last report, demand for hay is slow to steady, and prices remain steady. Winter weather and drought have helped trade. Hay in Oklahoma remains highly available, there is still a lot of holdovers and barns full of hay. Next report will be released March 14.

Texas—In the March 7 report, compared to last report, hay prices are firm to $10 higher across all regions, with limited supplies on higher quality hay being the largest driving factor. There is still adequate supplies of lower quality hay on the market, that will have to get producers through until soil temperatures warm up enough to spur pasture growth. Next report will be released March 21.

South Dakota—In the March 7 report, compared to last report, movement of hay has been light. Some producers are reporting some snow this past week.

New Mexico—As of the Nov. 22, 2024 report, the hay season was complete. No more reports will be issued until spring 2025.

Wyoming—In the March 6 report, compared to the last report, movement has increased since the last report, producers are saying demand has been slow all over Wyoming but are seeing it pick up a little this past week. Producers are hoping with this snow storm moving in this week hay will start to move a little more with people needing to feed more. Most hay that is moving is moving in small loads at a time. According to the Wyoming Crop Progress Report as of February 2025, hay and roughage supplies were rated at 73% adequate in the state. Pasture and range is 29% good condition and 41% fair condition, winter wheat is 10% good condition and 49% fair condition, all livestock is 73% good condition. 

Montana—In the March 7 report, hay sold fully steady. Hay producers continue to move hay as recent reductions in prices have spurred sales. Many producers hopes this tightens supplies of hay going into the 2025 marketing year. Producers continue to market old crop 2023 hay as the carryover from that year was very heavy. Much of the hay seen over the past two weeks was moved out of state but this past week ranchers were active in buying hay as many purchased hay at the lowest prices in years. Some purchases are being seen as insurance in case the summer turns off dry. Market activity was mostly active again this week. Weather has warmed some which allowed for producers to get back in stacks and start moving hay out. Cattle retention has started as many cattleman are keeping more replacements and buying heifers to breed. This is good news to hay producers who hope more cows in the state leads to a greater need for hay going forward.