Demand was very good for alfalfa and other hay for beef cattle in Central and Northern California the past month due to dry conditions. But that could be changing in the weeks ahead. The forecast is for rain over the next 10 days with daytime high temperatures in the mid-50s to mid-60s and nighttime temperatures in the 40s to low 50s.
The mild temperatures will start new grass growth on foothill pastures in the central and northern valley, and if the mild and wet weather continues, demand for beef cattle hay will decline. Conversely, in other parts of the West, they are calling for snow in the next 10 days, which could help demand for feeder hay. In Idaho, demand has been light for hay for beef cattle, but that could change depending on how much snow they receive in the coming weeks.
Author of The Hoyt Report, providing hay market analysis and insight.
