Hay demand in Nebraska is good, yet some growers there are holding hay for their own livestock, expecting low supplies as hot and dry weather continues. That’s according to the July 27 Weekly Hay Market Demand And Price Report For The Upper Midwest, compiled by Ken Barnett, University of Wisconsin Extension educator.
Iowa, which got some much-needed rain, showed very good hay demand and light movement. South Dakota growers were wondering how to price their hay, which is in short supply. No relief from heat and drought is predicted.
Alfalfa hay prices were steady and likely to climb, the supply light and demand very good in Missouri, where yields are half to a third of expected tons per acre because of drought. Drought has also burned pastures, increasing hay demand. “With half as much hay to sell and twice as many people needing it, hay prices have continued to climb and the top of the market may not have been reached yet,” Barnett wrote.
Illinois hay prices were higher with active sales, good to very good demand and moderate offerings. Southwestern Minnesota hay prices were higher and sales activity was good. Wisconsin received rain but not enough to improve the drought situation and hay yields are short.
Small square bales of prime hay (greater than 151 RFV/RFQ) averaged $300/ton in the five states last week, while prime hay averaged $230 in large squares and $226 in large round bales.
Grade 2 hay (103-124 RFV/RFQ) averaged just over $182/ton in large squares and large rounds. There were no reported sales of Grade 1 hay.
Straw prices averaged $3.30/small square bale, about $33/large square bale and nearly $45/large round bale.