Hay Markets

Montana Hay Report

Compared to last week: Hay sold fully steady. Demand for hay was good again this week. Light sales were seen again this week, as ranchers buy hay on an as need basis. Rain was seen across much of central and eastern Montana this past week with locations in central Montana picking up 0.20-1.25 inches, while eastern and northeastern counties picked up 1.50-3.0 inches. Timely rains have given some hope for first cutting as many producers say dry land hay is looking good following recent rains. Many buyers continue to try to find takers for new crop contracts but to little avail as most producers are waiting to see how growing conditions develop. Hay continues to be delivered into the state from 305.00-345.00 from Wyoming, South Dakota and Nebraska. High fuel costs continue keep hauling prices high. Most trucks are running around 7.25-8.00 for trains per loaded mile. The drought monitor’s data set runs from Tuesday to Tuesday so this weeks rains will not be factored in until next week. According to the drought monitor 85.40% of the state is in Moderate drought or worse, unchanged from last week; 65.28 % of the state is in an Severe drought or worse, 0.26% decrease from last week; 19.10% of the state is in extreme drought or worse, an increase of 0.04% from last week; 0% of the state is in an exceptional drought, unchanged from last week.

Wyoming Hay Report

Compared to two weeks ago the only test on the market was on alfalfa cubes and sun-cured pellets and both commodities sold steady. Some livestock owners continue to look for hay to buy. Some talk of what new crop alfalfa will be in the 2022 growing season. Old rule of thumb uses the last established market and go up or down from there. Per NASS: Corn planted comes in at 34% a little behind last year of 43%. Dry edible beans at 1% compared to last year at 15%. Condition on alfalfa hay fair to good 90% last year 84% so thing are looking a tick better this year for the alfalfa crop.