Harvested hay acres in the U.S. were estimated to be down 2% this year in USDA’s June Acreage report. Total harvested hay acres are expected to reach 51.5 million acres compared to the 52.8 million acres harvested in 2023.

Weather conditions in the West have generally been good and export demand for alfalfa and grass hay have reportedly been firm; however, the unwaveringly strong U.S. dollar raises questions as to how long current pricing strategies will be effective.

The prices below are primarily from USDA hay market reports as of mid- to late June. Prices are FOB barn/stack unless otherwise noted.