Hay Markets

Montana Hay Report

Hay sold generally steady. Demand was not as robust over the last two weeks as it was the previous two weeks. Summer rains in drought stricken areas have helped soften demand slightly.

Demand this week was still moderate to good with many producers reporting large sales. Demand and hay prices both increase as FOB locations move north. Hay along the highline is the highest priced hay in the state, however very little hay is available for sale. Delivered prices for hay to the highline remain high but have moderated slightly. Delivered prices were mostly 200.00-230.00 over the last two weeks.

A large supply of hail and rain on hay is on the market. However, most early purchases have been high quality hay with little to no rain or hail damage. Additionally, late summer rains have been detrimental to malt barley and wheat production, especially in Southern Montana, as many producers report sprouting in the head due to high moisture levels. This is putting large volumes of feed on the market.

Drought conditions have contracted over the western and northern portions of the state. Cattle herd expansion is on the minds of many ranchers and many are purchasing hay and grain hay ahead of winter as they try to fine enough feed to sustain extra mouths. Producers in Southern and Eastern Montana are wrapping up 2nd cutting and have started irrigating 3rd. Central Montana and along the highline are wrapping up 1st or starting 2nd. Market activity was mostly moderate this secession.

According to the drought monitor 72.66% of the state is in Moderate drought or worse, up 7.01% from 2 weeks ago. 27.92% of the state is in an Severe drought or worse, down 6.35% from 2 weeks ago. 10.23% of the state is in Extreme drought or worse, down 2.37% from 2 weeks ago. 0% of the state is in Expectational drought, unchanged from 2 weeks ago. Notably, 77.61% of the state is abnormally dry, down 4.95% from 2 weeks ago.

Wyoming Hay Report

Compared to two weeks ago, most hay sales sold fully steady, instances a higher undertone was noted on large squares of good quality hay. Demand was light to moderate. Several areas of the state are dry, and some range fires are prevailing. As cattlemen access the destruction from the fires, hay producers are hoping to sell more hay to those burn-out areas. Irrigation water is getting shut off earlier than normal to conserve water. Most districts will be shut down by September 1st. Some tonnage is short due to lack of irrigation water and producers are hoping for a slight increase in the price per ton because of it. Some old crop hay sitting around in various places of the state.

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