Hay Markets

Montana Hay Report

Compared to last week: Hay sold generally steady to weak. Demand for hay was mostly moderate for light offerings. Demand slipped slightly again this session as many ranchers are turning out cows and grass cattle. Some ranchers and small producers are letting small single load quantities of excess hay go at weaker prices as many fear new crop will be significantly lower than current prices. Hay continues to sell into Texas and Oklahoma, however these states started to cut new crop hay this week and many producers report that demand and calls have dropped significantly in the last few days. Winter kill is a big concern in some valleys as some producers are reporting a large number of acres needing to be replanted. Timely rains continue to fall in many locations which has improved drought conditions. According to the drought monitor 33.79% of the is in Moderate drought or worse, down 6.67% from two weeks ago. 3.91% of the state is in an Severe drought or worse, up 3.91% from two weeks ago. 0% of the state is in Extreme or Exceptional drought or worse, unchanged from two weeks ago.

Wyoming Hay Report

Compared to two weeks ago reported hay sales sold steady. Demand was good with livestock owners still looking to buy hay. Farming is behind schedule in most areas of the state. Some producers have started to run water on hay crops in different areas. Hard to believe with all the snow but the far SW corner of WY is dry and most of the eastern side is from abnormally dry to extreme drought. Snotel for May 1 comes in with the state median at 130% with basin high of 550% and basin low 14%. Last year avg was at 96% and 81% for 2021.