State-By-State Hay Summary

Colorado—In the July 3 report, compared to last report, trade activity and demand light. No market trend available due to a lack of comparable trades. Next report will be released July 17.

Missouri—In the July 10 report, compared to last report, the supply of hay is moderate, and demand is light to moderate. Hay progress for hay other than alfalfa is running slightly behind average pace. Getting hay baled this year has been a challenge due to rains, although weather has been good for grass growth and much of the hay has been baled with a significant amount of maturity which has affected quality. Demand is light to moderate with most coming from equine interest. Most cattle producers are not really in the market at this time.

Nebraska—In the July 3 report, compared to two weeks ago, all reported forages sold steady to a little weak. Demand was light at best. Recent rains across the state have halted demand for old and new crop hay and the prices feel like it could slip downward a tick. Parts of the state are still in drought conditions and the soil profile is still dry, while others have gotten more than 20 inches of rain. If the rain shuts off during the dog days of summer, it won’t take long for forages to turn brown and tonnage to fall off substantially. That may increase the demand for hay down the road.

Oklahoma—In the July 11 report, compared to last report, demand is at a standstill. There are some movements, but not enough for a trend for all types of hay. Parts of Oklahoma have been able to start baling hay, but other parts haven’t been able to get into their fields. Rains aren’t helping with high humidity. This continues to prevent hay producers from harvesting hay and moving hay. Mature hay is becoming a problem for hay producers as well. Next report will be released July 25.

Texas—In the July 11 report, compared to last report, hay prices are mostly steady across all regions with light to moderate demand. Rains have improved drought conditions in some areas.  The next available hay report will be July 25.

South Dakota—In the July 11 report, compared to last report, alfalfa hay steady. Light to moderate demand currently. Hay growers have had a very difficult time with second cutting of alfalfa and first cutting of grass as frequent rains and high humidity levels have made it near impossible to put up dry hay. More rain in the forecast for next week. 

New Mexico—In the July 14 report, compared to last report, hay market mostly steady to firm with third cuttings are underway.

Wyoming—In the July 10 report, compared to the last report, old crop square bales of alfalfa sold steady. Alfalfa cubes and pellets sold steady. On comparable new crop sales of alfalfa sold steady on a thin test. Demand was light to instances moderate. Spotty rain showers across different areas of the state along with several contacts noting their next cutting of alfalfa was pretty much destroyed by hail. Most contacts have mowed and baled what was left of their alfalfa hoping for a good regrowth and decent tonnage on the next round of production. 

Montana—In the July 11 report, compared to the June 20 report, hay sold mostly steady to firm on good to very good demand. The strongest demand was seen from northern Montana, as buyers were very active in purchasing hay again. Most of the hay sold was purchased delivered for $195-$210. New crop prices continue to establish themselves and some variation in price was seen this secession. Ranchers remain aggressive has they show concerns over the quantity of hay available. Northern ranchers, which normally put up much of their own hay, were forced to buy a portion of their winter hay this year as both drought conditions and limited irrigation water hindered production. With more cows and heifers retained this year ranchers will have more mouths to feed compared to last winter. Producers in southern and eastern Montana are wrapping up first cutting, with some starting second. Central Montana is in the midst of first. Many producers along the highline are trying to get second cutting irrigated before they cut off irrigation water for the year. Market activity was mostly moderate this week.