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 last week all reported forage products sold steady. Demand continues to be very good with a lot of livestock owners looking to buy feed. Some talks of prospective buyers wanting to line up contracts of new crop hay, but producers are on the fence about the idea. Spotty rain showers along with snow in some areas of the state. Per NASS on May 1, pasture and range report Wyoming is at 13% for good to excellent with last year at 18%. Topsoil moisture is at 24% adequate (47% in 2021) and stock water supplies in Wyoming rated at 51% adequate (66% in 2021). Barley planted moved to 83% complete. Barley emerged was 55%. Corn planted was 2% complete compared to 8 percent last year. Sugarbeets planted increased to 48%. Hay and roughage supplies were 32% very short, 50% short, and 18% adequate, compared to 25% very short, 48% short, and 27% adequate last week.