Forage Fodder: July 2026

Monday, July 20, 2026

State-By-State Hay Markets

New Mexico—In June 19 report, compared to the last report, the hay market appeared steady to firm.

Colorado—In July 2 report, compared to the last report, Trade activity Moderate. Demand Good to Very Good on both old crop and new crop hay. Premium quality alfalfa hay and mixed grass hay small squares sold steady to $1/bale higher. Little movement reported on new trades in the feedlot and dairy hay markets. New crop activity picking up on new crop horse hay sales. The next available report will be July 16.

Missouri—In the July 9 report, The weather finally broke, and many gallons of diesel were burnt last week. One would have been hard pressed to find any hay equipment in the state that wasn’t being used. Although quality is questionable, moisture had kept undergrowth lush, and yields seem to be much more satisfying compared to what was being talked about by those few that managed to get any hay put up a month ago. Near 85% of the state is drought free, the SE remains in drought, but conditions have improved. Pasture conditions are rated 77% good to excellent and 20% fair which is quite impressive for mid-July. Hay demand is light, and supplies are moderate. Hay prices are generally steady. 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 2 report, compared to the last report, alfalfa in the east sold mostly steady. In the central alfalfa sold steady to $10 higher. In the west sold steadyto $20 higher on large square bales. Sun cured alfalfa pellets in the east sold $10 higher and dehy pellets in the Platte Valley sold steady. Ground and delivered hay steady. Interesting market this week as the west looks like its dollars a ton higher than places in the central and east but as you ship hay to the western side of the state from these areas the time it gets delivered the hay market is very similar. Some hay sellers said buyer inquiry has died down some in the last two weeks as spotty rain showers are aiding in the growth of summer grass pastures. Also, rain will help the meadow grass tonnage as that harvest is just around the corner after the 4th of July. Some feedlots or backgrounding lots are jumping in and trying to purchase all their bank account will allow as others are just hand to mouth in purchases. Some irrigation districts in the panhandle have finally turned irrigation water on and customers know they have limited inches of water this season.

Oklahoma—In the July 3 report, a lot of the same. Movement is still slow. The next report release will be on July 17.

Texas—In the July 10 report, compared to the last report, Hay prices and demand remain steady. The next available hay report will be July 24.

South Dakota— In the June 26 report, compared to last report, very good demand for all classes and qualities of hay, as drought conditions grip a very large region. Rains have been spotty, leaving many areas seeing little moisture at all which has greatly affected forage production. Cattle producers from western regions are in dire need of hay as grass is short and their hay crops look to be very limited. A large amount of wheat has been baled as growth was so poor across South Dakota. There were good rains across the central part of the state last week. Grass hay production is greatly diminished across a large section of the state. Second cutting of alfalfa underway East River, tonnage reduced in those dry areas.

Wyoming— In July 9 report, compared to the last report, hay prices fully steady. Demand was good. Most hay producers have been getting a lot of calls from all over the nation and are shipping quite a lot of hay out of state mostly in small squares. Some producers have been getting some irrigation water since the last report but total feet will be a lot shorter than normal. Spotty rain showers around the Powell area with daily reports of .10-.30 most days and it has been very hard to put-up top-quality hay in some areas from these daily rain showers. Tonnage was mostly light on the first cutting in most reporting areas.

Montana— In July 10 report, compared to last report(6-26-26): Hay sold generally steady to weak. The hay market is beginning to fully establish itself as producers finally have hay in the bale. Much of the new crop hay on this report has seen a shot of rain. Demand for feeder hay is good. Hay movement the past two weeks was active with many producers actively selling hay as soon as they can get it put up. Most ranchers are purchasing hay for winter needs as most have cows and calves turned out and are not feeding hay. New crop contracts have slowed as producers want to see how much hay they are going to be able to produce before they sell off more than they produce. Surrounding state hay prices have kept Montana prices in check, as producers are being forced to remain competitive with hay being delivered into the state. Hay is being delivered into Western Montana mostly from Washington and Eastern and Central Montana from the Dakotas for 225.00-250.00/ton depending on freight. Ranchers report that they are getting hay delivered out of Canada as well. Rains have been plentiful north of the border and heavy supplies are keeping prices very competitive. Much of the hay being brought into Montana out of Canada is $200.00/ton and under delivered. USDA freight assistance programs have also aided ranchers in bringing in hay from surrounding states. Timely rains have helped boost production yields as many ranchers are putting up their own hay and are less reliant on having to buy hay for winter needs. First cutting continues to be put up at higher elevations and 2nd cutting is underway in many locations in southern and eastern Montana. All hay listed in the report below is new crop hay unless otherwise notie According to the drought monitor 52.91% the state is in Moderate drought or worse, down 23.75% from 2 weeks ago. 20.58% of the state is in an Severe drought or worse, down 10.72% from 2 weeks ago. 0.61% of the state is in Extreme drought or worse, down 5.80% from 2 weeks ago. 0% of the state is in Expectational drought, unchanged from 2 weeks ago. Notably, 85.90% of the state is abnormally dry, unchanged from 2 weeks ago.

Friday, July 17, 2026

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

Mixed Hay & Bedding Results 07/16/26

Oklahoma Direct Hay Report

Oregon Direct Hay Report

California Direct Hay Report

South Dakota Direct Hay Report

Utah Direct Hay Report

Thursday, July 16, 2026

Nebraska Direct Hay Report

Colorado Direct Hay Report

Wednesday, July 15, 2026

Hay update - Western producers see price improvements, but water remains the wild card

Hay markets across the West are entering the second half of 2026 in a stronger position than a year ago, supported by higher prices, limited carryover stocks and steady demand. However, ongoing drought conditions, irrigation uncertainty and water allocation challenges remain the biggest risks to production and profitability through the remainder of the growing season.

Acreage trends remain relatively stable, suggesting supply-side adjustments are unlikely to significantly alter market dynamics through the remainder of the season.

Conditions by state:

Arizona

Hay quality has declined due to early-season heat, though demand for lower-quality forage remains supportive. Prices are generally around $200 per ton, with expectations for modest improvement if weather cooperates. Water availability remains a significant concern, particularly given anticipated Colorado River shortages and the potential for reduced allocations under future drought contingency plans.

California

Market conditions remain favorable, with producers reporting stronger prices than expected. In the Southern San Joaquin Valley, third cutting has been completed with no major yield or weather concerns due to irrigated production systems. Producers reported hay prices approximately $30 per ton above last year, with recent third-cutting alfalfa selling near $225 per ton. Demand appears supported by both dairy and retail channels. In Imperial Valley, growers are seeing prices around $200-$205 per ton, and continue utilizing deficit irrigation programs amid growing concerns about Colorado River water supplies and the potential for future allocation reductions.

Idaho

The market remains firm, with prices generally steady to $5 per ton higher than a month ago and above year-ago values. Demand is uneven, as some dairies remain on the sidelines while others actively contract supplies. Cattle ranchers have been among the most aggressive buyers due to ongoing drought concerns. Water availability remains the state's primary challenge. Several irrigation districts have warned of possible late-season water curtailments, prompting some growers to prioritize corn irrigation over hay production. Southern and eastern Idaho are increasingly concerned that reduced water allocations will limit second and third cuttings, while some farmers reliant on mountain runoff have already lost irrigation water. Well-irrigated operations are generally in a better position. Concerns are growing in eastern Idaho that many operations may only achieve a single cutting this year. Organic hay markets remain especially firm.

Montana

Dryland hay conditions in southern Montana range from poor to very poor due to spring freezes, drought, high temperatures, and wind. In contrast, northern Montana has recently received substantial rainfall, improving yield expectations to near-average or potentially above-average levels. Irrigated hay producers experienced poor first-cutting yields due to freeze damage but are optimistic about stronger second and third cuttings. Hay supplies remain tight, with much of the available crop already committed. New-crop high-quality alfalfa has sold between $225-$230 per ton, utility hay around $200 per ton, and wheat hay near $170 per ton. Strong cattle-sector demand and ongoing drought concerns continue to support prices.

Oregon

Hay growers are increasingly focused on water availability as drought conditions worsen. Several irrigation districts may impose water restrictions later this summer, creating concerns about maintaining production through subsequent cuttings. Despite these risks, first cutting has progressed well, with producers actively baling and preparing for second cutting. Demand for old-crop hay remains slow, while interest in new-crop supplies has improved. Hay quality and yields generally look favorable, aided by cooler temperatures and timely moisture. Baker Valley producers reported 2026 alfalfa sales near $250 per ton.

Washington

Market conditions continue to improve compared to 2025. Limited carryover inventories have supported higher prices, with alfalfa values generally running $20-$30 per ton above last year's levels. Higher-quality alfalfa is trading around $215-$220 per ton, feeder hay near $175 per ton, and premium Timothy horse hay between $235-$240 per ton. While profitability has improved, rain events during first cutting created some quality variability, though yields are generally average.

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.