Hay Markets

Montana Hay Report

Direct Hay Weighted Average Report for week ending 4/2/2025

Compared to last report(3-20-26): Hay sold mostly steady to 15.00 higher. Hay supplies across the state have tightened significantly. Lower quality hay saw a strong uptick in price as buyers search for feed to meet needs. Hay continues to be delivered along the highline for 215.00-245.00 delivered. Spring rain and snow showers were scattered across the state over the past two weeks but moisture varied greatly by location. Hay is starting to be delivered in from North Dakota as supplies have tightened over the last few weeks. According to the drought monitor 65.58% of the state is in Moderate drought or worse, down 1.12% from 2 weeks ago. 21.19% of the state is in an Severe drought or worse, up 1.49% from 2 weeks ago. 3.96% of the state is in Extreme drought or worse, unchanged from 2 weeks ago. 0% of the state is in Expectational drought, unchanged from 2 weeks ago. Notably, 93.51% of the state is abnormally dry, up 1.09% from 2 weeks ago.. 

Wyoming Hay Report

Compared to last week, bales of alfalfa grass and pellets sold steady. Demand was good. Quite a few people calling and looking for hay to purchase. Hay contacts are sold out of 2025 hay and are waiting to start the new crop hay probably the last week in May if every works out correctly. Irrigation water is the big topic on the hay calls. Some areas will have normal amounts of water and other districts are limiting the amount of water and the days to use it. Released on Monday, April 13, the state’s SNOTELs are reading 46% of median with a basin high of 88% and a basin low of 0%. Last year the state was at 91%, and at 97% in 2024. Lack of snow fall this year is what has put the halt on the irrigation water for this growing season. Hopefully good Ole Mother Nature will bring the rains to grow the grass, hay and replenish the water in lakes and reservoirs.