Kansas hay prices drop with low demand

By Scout Nelson

According to the Kansas Department of Agriculture and USDA Market News Service, hay movement remained steady this past week, though demand for hay remained light. Activity levels showed little change from the previous week, as reported on September 3. Hay prices have softened, with producers aiming to clear out last year’s hay to make room for the new crop. Scattered rainstorms in the eastern part of the state caused delays in hay collection. Prices are quoted based on averages and are per ton unless otherwise noted.

There will be no Kansas Hay Report released on September 10, with the next update scheduled for September 17.

Regional Hay Market Overview:

Southwest: Demand is light, and trade activity remains slow. Dairy alfalfa prices are steady, with grinding alfalfa and ground/delivered alfalfa prices dropping by $5. Large rounds of fair-to-good grinding alfalfa are priced between $110-$125, with large squares at $115-$120. Ground and delivered alfalfa is priced between $140-$160. As of August 31, 7,412 tons of grinding alfalfa were reported sold.

South Central: Demand is light, and trade activity is slow. Prices for dairy alfalfa, grinding alfalfa, and alfalfa pellets remain steady. Ground and delivered alfalfa prices range from $145-$160. Sun-cured alfalfa pellets with 15% protein are priced at $240-$250.

Southeast: Demand is light, and trade activity is slow. Prices for bluestem and brome hay remain steady. Bluestem grass hay is priced at $110-$130 for large rounds, with wheat straw at $70 for large squares. 2,080 tons of grass hay was sold by August 31.

Northwest: Demand is minimal, and trade activity is slow. No recent sales of horse alfalfa or stock cow hay were reported, but fair-to-good grinding alfalfa in large rounds is priced at $100.

North Central/Northeast: Demand remains light, and trade activity is slow. Dairy alfalfa prices remain steady, while grass hay prices have dropped by $5. Bluestem and brome grass hay prices are stable, with small square bales of bluestem priced at $8-$9 and large rounds at $80-$110.

Photo Credit:gettyimages-pamwalker68