Hay Markets

Montana Hay Report

Hay sold mostly 5.00-10.00 higher on good to very good demand. The strongest demand was seen from Northern Montana, as buyers were very active in purchasing hay this week. Most of the hay sold was purchased delivered for 195.00-210.00.

Hay was also purchased to ship south into wyoming as drought conditons have buyers searching for hay. A few new crop contracts continue to be seen and demand remains very good. Most ranchers have cattle turned out and hay usage is down significantly, however buying for winter has started as ranchers show concern over the quantity of hay avalible. Many ranchers have more cows and heifers retained this year and will have more mouths to feed compared to last winter.

Producers in Southern and Eastern Montana are in the middle of first cutting, while central Montana is still another week away from being able to cut first. The chopped hay in the report below was weighed wet, directly behind the chopper. Market activity was mostly mostly moderate this week.

According to the drought monitor 58.95% of the state is in Moderate drought or worse, up 5.08% from two weeks ago. 28.68% of the state is in an Severe drought or worse, up 5.23% from two weeks ago. 0.75% of the state is in Extreme drought or worse, up 0.75 % from two weeks ago. 0% of the state is in Expectational drought, unchanged from two weeks ago. Notably, 73.78% of the state is abnormally dry, down 7.77% from two weeks ago.

Wyoming Hay Report

Compared to two weeks ago, old crop small square bales of alfalfa sold 10.00 lower. Old crop large square bales of alfalfa steady. Alfalfa cubes and pellets sold steady. On comparable new crop sales of alfalfa showed a steady undertone as producers sold kind, quality of large square bales to the same clients. Spotty rain showers in the eastern areas of the state. Relatively dry in the western areas. Many producers are finishing up on first cutting across the state.