By Scout Nelson
During the week ending August 24, Kansas hay movement remained steady, but demand continued to be very light, showing little change in activity compared to the previous week, according to the Kansas Department of Agriculture-USDA Market News Service on August 27.
Prices have softened as producers work to clear out last year’s hay inventory. While some parts of the state received rain, allowing a fourth cutting of alfalfa, other regions are still grappling with drought conditions. The reported prices are averages and are provided on a per-ton basis unless otherwise noted.
In the southwest, demand was light, with slow trade activity. Prices for dairy alfalfa and grinding alfalfa remained steady, with grinding alfalfa large rounds priced at $115-$130 per ton. In the south-central region, dairy alfalfa prices held steady, with new crop small square bales selling for $13 each. Sun-cured and dehydrated alfalfa pellets also saw steady pricing.
Southeast Kansas experienced similar conditions, with light demand and slow trade activity. Prices for bluestem and brome hay held steady, with new crop bluestem small squares selling for $160-$180 per ton. In the northwest and north central/northeast regions, demand remained light with slow trade activity, and prices for dairy and grinding alfalfa were mostly steady.
Overall, Kansas hay producers continue to face challenges with surplus inventory and varying weather impacts, leading to weakened prices and light demand across the state.
Photo Credit:gettyimages-pamwalker68
Categories: Kansas, Crops, Hay & Forage, Alfalfa, General, Weather