As the sun sets on most hayfields for the season, USDA’s October Crop Production report predicted alfalfa and alfalfa-mixed hay production to be up 8% from last year. All other hay production is expected to see a 6% bump, although final estimates won’t be known until January.

Of the Western states, California was projected to see record-high alfalfa yields, while Arizona was pegged with its lowest alfalfa yield estimates in over a decade.

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

This article appeared in the November 2024 issue of Hay & Forage Grower on page 38.

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