Forage Fodder: 2026

Wednesday, February 11, 2026

Hay sales increase in January

Market sentiment has improved as anecdotal reports indicate that export demand strengthened modestly in January, helping support slight price gains. Part of this improvement reflects supply finally coming back into better balance with demand. December 1 on-farm hay stocks in AgWest states fell 6.5% from last year. Farm hay stocks in AgWest states fell 6.5% from last year. Every western state reported lower winter inventories except Washington, which held steady.

While January export data is not yet available, November U.S. hay exports were down 4.4% year over year. However, the decline continues to narrow as shipments improve to South Korea and the Middle East. In the West, an unusually warm winter has extended grazing and reduced the need for supplemental forage, further slowing hay movement. In central California, warm fall temperatures prevented alfalfa stands from going dormant, forcing some growers to delay baling or harvest fields as chopped forage. Meanwhile, Arizona and Montana are seeing more active demand due to localized weather effects. Arizona hay growers experienced rare winter rains that damaged uncovered stacks and delayed final cuttings, boosting interest in protected hay. In Montana, tightening inventories and the expectation of colder February weather have begun to push more hay through the market.

For many western hay growers, prices remain near or below breakeven, creating stress on credit lines and increasing the likelihood of acreage reductions in 2026. With acres already trending lower and usage gradually improving, supplies in several western states are beginning to tighten. If demand firms later this spring, the market is positioned for potential price appreciation.

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.

Tuesday, February 10, 2026

USDA Hay Markets – February 10, 2026

Iowa Direct Hay Report

Southwest Missouri Hay Auction - Golden City, MO

Tennessee Direct Hay Report

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

Monday, February 9, 2026

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

Regional Hay Prices

State-By-State Hay Markets

Colorado—In Jan. 29 report, compared to the last report, trade activity light on moderate demand. Prices mostly steady across all hay types. The next available report will be Feb. 12.

Missouri—In the Jan. 22 report, All attention this week has turned to the weather and possibility of major winter storm over the weekend. Producers are doing what they can to prepare even if forecast end up being wrong about snow, extreme cold is almost certain. Hay supplies remain heavy and out weight demand at the current time. Hay prices are mostly steady. Much of the hay surplus is average to lower quality hay with much of it requiring some additional supplement in order to provide as adequate feed ration. Legit high quality hay as typical for mid-winter has held value much better and is a bit harder but not impossible to find. 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 Jan. 29 report, Compared to the last report all reported hay sales sold steady with the exception of grass hay rounds, which traded $10/ton lower. Demand is mostly light to moderate on all classes.

Oklahoma—In the Jan. 30 report, compared to the last report, Due to the snowstorm, movement has picked up; movement has been slow to steady over the past couple of weeks. The next report release will be on Feb. 13.

Texas—In the Jan. 23 report, compared to the last report, hay prices were steady with good demand. The next available hay report will be Feb. 6.

South Dakota— In the Jan. 16 report, compared to last report, Light to moderate demand for all types of hay. Good demand for corn stalks and straw. The winter has been mild, with a lack of snow cover across the majority of the state, but pen conditions have been wet/muddy causing cattle feeders to need to bed with corn stalks which has helped demand for stalks. Plentiful hay supplies and lack of snow is really keeping a damper on the hay market. High testing dairy hay is harder to find, best outlet for that type of hay is out of state however.

Wyoming— In Jan. 22 report, compared to the last report small square bales sold steady to 5.00 per ton higher. Large square bales steady. Demand picked up in the last two weeks as dry weather continues across the state. Prospective buyers are starting to pick out a few loads of hay to feed now or later in the year. Most of the state is very dry with some high elevation receiving snow. Per NRCS weekly snow report for Jan 19,2026: Currently the state’s SNOTELs are reading 93% of median with a basin high of 125% and a basin low of 4%. Last year the state was at 88%, and at 83% in 2024. So overall median is a little better than the last two years for the same week.

Montana— In Jan. 23 report, compared to last report, Hay sold mostly steady to 10.00 higher. Hay supplies continue to tighten across the state. Hay supplies in Northern and western Montana are extremely tight and many producers are trucking hay in from Central and southern Montana. Delivered hay prices are mostly north of 200.00/ton with many ranging from 210.00-235.00 per ton. Most producers in Western and Northern Montana report they are sold out of hay for the season. Some Central Montana hay producers are starting to report that they are sold out of hay as well. Hay across the state has seen increased demand due to tighter supplies. Demand for round bales is very good as many ranchers report that they are hard to find. Hay in rounds continues to bring a 10.00-20.00 premium to hay in squares. However, some ranchers are starting to buy hay in squares as round supplies are very tight. Extreme cold has returned to the state over the last few days which has spurred some buying. Light snowfall is expected through the weekend. According to the drought monitor 18.19 of the state is in Moderate drought or worse, down 1.6% from 2 weeks ago. 8.08 of the state is in an Severe drought or worse, unchanged from 2 weeks ago. 1.46% of the state is in Extreme drought or worse, unchanged from 2 weeks ago. 0% of the state is in Expectational drought, unchanged from 2 weeks ago. Notably, 49.78% of the state is abnormally dry, down 1.61% from 2 weeks ago.