USDA Hay Markets – August 18, 2026

Kansas Direct Hay Report

More: Kansas Direct Hay Report

Regional Hay Prices

State-By-State Hay Markets

Colorado—In July 30 report, compared to the last report, trade activity Moderate. Demand Good to Very Good new crop hay. Small squares of grass sold steady to $1/bale higher this period. Market prices are establishing on straw moving into dairies with the floor getting set at $150/ton FOB due to short supply. Horse hay per bale prices continue to increase as drought conditions worsen and abnormally high temperatures impact hay quality and yield. The next available report will be Aug. 13.

Missouri—Hay harvest has been moving along as producers have had to play catch up most of the season following a late start due to weather delays. Overall progress is back on track and some producers starting to put equipment away now. Pastures across the state are currently rated as some of the best in the nation for the week ending Aug 2nd, 80 percent of the state was rated good to excellent, 17% fair, and 3% poor. Lots of hay showing up for sale and supplies are moderate to heavy. Hay prices are steady on grass types of hay and firm to higher on the upper end of Alfalfa. Hay demand is light. 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 July 30 report, compared to the last report, Alfalfa hay in the Eastern side of the state $20 to $40 per ton higher, alfalfa pellets $20 per ton higher. Grass hay in the Central area of the state $20 to $40 per ton higher. Ground and delivered hay in sold steady to $20 per ton higher. Sun cured alfalfa pellets in the West sold $10 per ton higher. Large squares of Alfalfa sold $20 per ton higher and wheat hay sold $25 per ton higher. Demand was very good especially for hay going out of state and into Wyoming. Ranchers in many areas are willing to pay more for alfalfa hay than dairies are willing to pay for the same quality of hay. Hot, dry, very humid weather the last two weeks has shot the hay market in a sharply higher direction. Spotty rain showers in different areas of the state will help pastures, third cutting alfalfa and other forages make a decent crop at harvest. Talk on dairy hay in right around 1.50 per RFV point sitting at the stack (FOB).

Oklahoma—In the July 30 report, compared to the last report, hay movement has picked up. Due to the heat, hay producers across the state are having to run their equipment late at night and early in the morning. As a positive part of the heat, central and eastern parts of Oklahoma have been able to put up all types of hay.The next report release will be on Aug. 21.

Texas—In the Aug. 7 report, compared to the last report, hay prices and demand remain steady. The next available hay report will be August 21.

South Dakota— In the July 31 report, compared to last report, very good demand for all classes and qualities of hay currently. Drought conditions have not relented, until this week when more widespread rain finally came. Baling of second cutting is completed, third is ready to be cut once the weather clears. Lots of inquiry coming from the west as hay production is very limited in those regions, not much inquiry from the east yet. Grass hay tonnage is greatly reduced from last year, alfalfa has fared much better.

Wyoming— In Aug. 6 report, compared to the last report, hay prices sold steady to 30.00 higher. Demand is very good with a lot of people looking to buy hay within the state. Some hay is going out of state but the bulk is staying in the local market. Some prices may seem low on today ‘s drought market. But producers are trying to help long-term customers and trying not to gouge them on this year’s hay price. Producers are making it work for both parties if possible. Some producers have been getting some irrigation water since the last report but total feet will be a lot shorter than normal. With some irrigation districts shutting off water later this week or next. Most producers are starting on second cutting and some without load control on water will shoot for a third and some may get a 4th if the frost holds off.

Montana— In Aug. 7 report, compared to last report: Hay sold generally steady. Hay continues to see very localized pricing as drought pockets have local producers stretched thin for supplies to usual customers and are asking more for hay as a result. The Northern portion of the state have seen adequate rains and have put up a good crop. Hay continues to be delivered into the state out of Canada and the Dakotas and its forcing some producers to be competitive with pricing. USDA freight assistance programs have also aided ranchers in bringing in hay from surrounding states. Demand for hay remains very good and producers report very good interest from ranchers. Many producers state they have most of their hay already spoken for but have yet to establish a price. Straw is starting to be marketed and good demand has been seen early. Asking prices range from 60.00-80.00 per ton depending on volume purchased. According to the drought monitor 49.29% the state is in Moderate drought or worse, up 3.24% from 2 weeks ago. 17.19% of the state is in an Severe drought or worse, down 4.03% from 2 weeks ago. 0% of the state is in Extreme drought or worse, down 0.61% from 2 weeks ago. 0% of the state is in Expectational drought, unchanged from 2 weeks ago. Notably, 79.05% of the state is abnormally dry, up 2.47% from 2 weeks ago.

California Direct Hay Report

New Mexico Direct Hay Report

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

Utah Direct Hay Report

Oregon Direct Hay Report

Nebraska Direct Hay Report

Colorado Direct Hay Report

Hay update - Western producers see price improvements, but water and weather remain the wild cards

New-crop hay prices have generally strengthened across the West in 2026, with demand increasing in drought-affected regions as ranchers secure forage supplies ahead of fall and winter. Hay prices have risen by $20 per ton across many Western markets, despite weaker milk prices and reduced export demand. Tight carryover inventories, multi-decade-low alfalfa acreage, frost damage and water restrictions have all contributed to stronger prices. Weather conditions will remain a key factor influencing hay as harvest progresses. Export demand remains pressured. Through the first of the year, U.S. hay exports were down 8.2% from the previous year, a concerning trend given that 2025 marked the lowest annual export volume in 16 years. Alfalfa exports declined in every month of 2026, with the largest year-over-year decline occurring in March (24.4%) and June (20.4%). Ongoing geopolitical disruptions in the Middle East, coupled with a relatively strong U.S. dollar, have reduced the competitiveness of U.S. hay in international markets and are weighing on export demand.

At the same time, domestic demand has become increasingly uneven. Record milk production has pressured milk prices, pushing Class III milk futures below $17 per cwt at times and leaving many dairies operating hand-to-mouth. In contrast, hay demand from cattle producers has largely increased given concerns about growing drought conditions.

Conditions by state:

Arizona

Alfalfa prices for fair and good-quality hay have remained relatively steady. Hot weather during June and July created quality challenges in some production areas and could impact late-season supplies.

California

Alfalfa prices in Central California have improved by $20 per ton over the past several months for both premium and fair-quality hay. In the Imperial Valley, fair-quality hay has seen the largest price gains, while premium and supreme grades have remained relatively unchanged. Softening milk prices have left many dairies cautiously purchasing hay, while brokers sourcing hay from neighboring states are struggling to compete with local demand. Supplies of high-quality alfalfa remain tight, and reduction of hay acreage and elevated production costs have also encouraged growers to seek higher prices.

Idaho

Hay prices have strengthened significantly, with alfalfa values across most quality grades increasing roughly $40 per ton over the past 90 days. Frost damage and strong ranch demand have supported the market. As premiums for higher-quality hay have narrowed, some growers are prioritizing yield over quality by extending cutting intervals. Potential water curtailments remain a concern for the remainder of the growing season.

Montana

Hay markets largely reflect local needs. Drought-stricken areas continue to command stronger prices due to limited availability, while growers in regions with access to imported hay from Canada and the Dakotas face greater competition. Many growers report that much of their crop is already committed, though final prices have not yet been established. Timely rainfall has improved pasture and rangeland conditions in many areas, helping prevent more severe forage shortages.

Oregon

Drought conditions and wildfires have intensified in portions of Oregon, though harvest activity continues across much of the state. Eastern Oregon producers have largely completed first cutting. Demand for new-crop hay has been strong, with buyers already securing supplies directly from producers. Market participants continue to monitor drought impacts as the season progresses.

Washington

Alfalfa prices in the Columbia Basin have increased modestly, rising approximately $10 per ton since spring. However, weaker export demand has caused Columbia Basin prices to lag behind neighboring states. Reduced dairy demand has also played a role, as Washington's dairy herd has contracted notably over the past two years. Timothy hay quality has been reported as average, while prices remain elevated near year-ago levels. Because timothy acreage expanded this season, producers believe the larger crop could create downward pressure on prices later in the year.

Profitability

Hay (alfalfa): Slightly profitable - Bullish 12-month outlook
Hay (timothy): Slightly profitable - Neutral 12-month outlook

Tightening Western supplies and an expected reduction in hay production are helping rebalance the market, while increasing drought concerns are driving stronger domestic demand and improving alfalfa prices.

Sustained export demand, limited high-quality supply and steady forage demand are supporting timothy hay profitability despite higher production and logistics costs.

Dakota Hay Auction - Corsica, SD (Monday)

Iowa Direct Hay Report