State-By-State Hay Summary

Colorado—In the May 22 report, compared to last report, trade activity and demand light. Small squares of horse quality alfalfa hay and grass hay sold unevenly steady. New crop contracts are seeing some activity. According to the NASS Colorado Crop Progress Report for week ending May 18, alfalfa first cutting is 2% complete. Stored feed supplies were rated 3% very short, 16% short, 69% adequate, and 12% surplus.

Missouri—In the May 22 report, compared to last report, although there has not been a lot of new crop hay sold thus far, asking prices are mostly steady, supply and demand are light to moderate. Hay equipment is back in the fields in many areas of the state, not only is some wrapping being done but also some dry hay being baled. Several producers are trying to catch up on what has become a late first cutting of alfalfa in many cases, do to earlier than usual growth and poor conditions to get into fields.

Nebraska—In the May 22 report, compared to last report, alfalfa was $10 to $20 higher, grass hay sold fully steady. Ground and delivered hay, sun-cured and old crop dehydrated alfalfa pellets steady. Demand and buyer inquiry was good. With the recent rain showers in various areas of the state the panic button was not hit as often, and the phones were a little more quite. Prospective buyers are crossing their fingers, hoping that more rain will come, and they will not have to feed livestock all summer with supplemental hay nor must liquidate livestock. Tonnage appears it will be light for first cutting of brome grass and alfalfa in some areas. Weevil infestation is more prevalent this year than in past years. Many contacts feel like the south winds have blown them into Nebraska this spring. Quite a lot of new crop alfalfa baled in the eastern area. Some dehydrated mills thinking of starting after the Memorial Day holiday. 

Oklahoma—In the May 23 report, compared to last report, everything is unchanged compared to the last report. The prices remain steady, and demand is at a standstill. Rain continuously covers Oklahoma, preventing hay producers from moving hay and, at times, stopping the alfalfa crop from being harvested. Still no end in sight for cattle sales. The continued preparation for the new crop of grass hay is underway as well. The availability of grass hay is still high when it comes to supply across Oklahoma. Next report will be released June 6.

Texas—In the May 16 report, compared to last report, hay prices are mostly steady across all regions with moderate to light demand. Next report will be released May 30.

South Dakota—In the May 16 report, compared to last report, alfalfa and grass hay steady, little trading going on currently. Hay supplies remain adequate, as there is carryover in many places. Hot, dry and windy conditions across the state until midweek when rains finally arrived. Good amounts reported across the state with more in the forecast for next week. Turnout time has arrived and the rains will give a good start to the grazing season.

New Mexico—In the May 23 report, compared to last report, hay market mostly steady with second cuttings are underway. According to the NASS, New Mexico Crop Progress report for the week ending May 18, hay and roughage supplies were reported as 13% very short, 34% short, and 53% adequate, compared with 41% very short, 50% short, 8% adequate, and 1% surplus last year. Stock water supplies were reported as 24% very short, 27% short, 47% adequate, and 2% surplus, compared with 64% very short, 20% short, 15% adequate, and 1% surplus last year. No crop freeze damage was reported. Hail damage in all crops was reported as 3% moderate and 10% light. Wind damage in all crops was reported as 7% moderate and 20% light. 

Wyoming—In the May 21 report, compared to the last report, demand and movement has slightly decreased. Most of the hay sold last week was in small loads. The demand for cubes has decreased slightly with grass greening up, the demand for pellets remains steady. There is expected to be some carryover when new crop starts with demand being slow and producers not moving much hay. Some producers have said demand has been slow for old crop and there’s quite a few tons of 2023 and 2024 hay left to sell all over the state. According to the Wyoming crop progress report, as of May 19, pasture and range conditions are 17% good condition, alfalfa hay is 52% good condition and other hay is 63% good condition. 

Montana—In the May 23 report, hay sold generally steady. Much of the hay sold again this week is leaving the state. Many ranchers have turned out cattle for the summer and are showing no interest in buying hay. Hay supplies continue to tighten as producers ship loads out of the state. Very little carryover is expected from producers as most have sold down in the last few weeks. Producers are expecting a bumper first cutting across much of the central portions of the state where rainfall totals have been the heaviest. Market activity was mostly slow this week. Most sales were single load sales as producers try to clean up the last of their supplies before starting new crop hay. Producers remain anxious about new crop pricing and have started to negotiate with buyers on new crop hay however no established prices have been seen as of this report.