State-By-State Hay Summary

Colorado—In the March 12 report, trade activity and demand light. Prices remain unchanged on all hay types. Dairies in northeast Colorado continue 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%-35% dry matter. Alfalfa standing offers in northeast Colorado this week ranged from $100 standing down to $110 standing on 90% dry matter. 

Missouri—In the March 13 report, compared to last report, still a lot of hay for sale around the state and some are looking to clean out before it is time for new crop others however are content on saving a few bales as some areas are already dry for this time of year. 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. A lot of anhydrous was being applied as well as pelleted fertilizer going on pastures and hay fields. Green is becoming more prominent each day and livestock are becoming less interested in cleaning up and more interested in chasing which ever springs of grass that have popped up the tallest.

Nebraska—In the March 13 report, compared to last report, bales of alfalfa and grass hay sold steady. Ground and delivered hay steady. Dehydrated alfalfa pellets in the east sold $10 higher with all other pellets in the state steady. Demand is light to instance moderate for bales of hay. Moderate to good for alfalfa pellets. Not a lot of concern yet from buyers and sellers on the overall dryness as there is a lot of available feed if needed. Cattlemen continue to purchase grass type cattle for turnout not batting an eye at the price they are paying.

Oklahoma—In the March 14 report, compared to the last report, demand and prices for hay are steady. Drought has allowed the trade to increase. It has also increased to try and keep the winter weight on animals as we head into spring. In the 10-day forecast no moisture is in sight. Hay in Oklahoma remains highly available, there is still a lot of holdovers and barns full of hay.  Next report will be released March 28.

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 14 report, compared to last report, movement of hay has been light.

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

Wyoming—In the March 12 report, compared to the last report, movement has increased since the last report, producers are saying they are seeing an uptick in demand this week and are hoping that it continues to trend up. Most hay that is moving is moving in small quantities and small loads at a time but more of it seems to be moving at a time this past week throughout the entire state. High quality horse hay that’s in two string bales seems to be moving slightly more this past week as well as lower quality hay. There hasn’t been a lot of dairy hay move this winter, but there was some good quality dairy hay that got sold this past week.

Montana—In the March 14 report, hay sold fully steady. Hay sales have seen steady movement over the past few weeks as producers continue to try to sell down on supplies. Central Montana supplies remain large but producers are working to sell through two years of supplies. Ranchers have been reluctant to buy even at reduced prices due to large personal supplies on hand. With lighter cow numbers, a mild start to winter, and heavy supplies of rained on hay available, many ranchers have a large supply of personal hay on hand. However, lower asking prices have spurred some demand as producers are asking under production cost for buyers willing to purchase large quantities of hay. Some purchases are being seen as insurance in case the summer turns off dry. Market activity was mostly active again this week. Lots of hay has been sold over the past few weeks and with warmer springlike weather this has helped melt snow 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.