HAY MARKET REPORT

Weekly Hay Market Demand and Price Report for the Upper Midwest

November 20 , 2009

Data Compiled by Ken Barnett, UW-Extension

All hay prices quoted are dollars per ton FOB point of origin for alfalfa hay unless otherwise noted.

The information presented in this report is compiled from public and private sales and reports in the Midwest.

Demand and Sales Activity

Compared to the previous week, small square bale prices were up 19%. Large square bale prices were down 9%. Large round bale prices were down 3%. Sales activity was light to moderate.

In Nebraska, hay prices were steady. Demand and trade activity were light. Ground and delivered hay trading was steady. For Iowa, hay prices were $27.05 lower. Demand was light to moderate with light trade activity. In South Dakota, hay prices were steady to $10.70 lower. Demand was still good again this week for higher quality hay, and moderate for lesser qualitities. For Missouri, hay price were steady. Hay demand was light and the supply was heavy. Farmers made very little to no progress harvesting crops this week. Water was once again standing in many fields. Most have given up on any chance of things drying out and now just waiting for things to freeze up to get the remainder of crops out of the fields. Nearly a quarter of the state corn crop is currently still standing in the fields. Hay movement is nearly non-existent, except for a few scattered sales to horse or dairy farms. Many more trucks are finding other loads or are sitting as opposed to hauling hay. High quality alfalfa is a bit difficult to find, but the heavy supply of lower to mid quality hay is overshadowing that and just resulting in more sales of supplement. In Southwest Minnesota, hay prices were $2.40 higher. Sales activity was moderate. The demand for Illinois hay was moderate to good with light offerings due to the rain. Hay prices were steady.

For Wisconsin, there were no reports on sales activities and demand. Another dry week allowed growers to make progress harvesting, especially getting their soybeans off the fields. The dry, warm conditions brought down moisture levels in both crops, easing some concerns over drying costs, although many fields still remained above ideal levels. Conditions were also favorable for getting some tillage done and manure hauled. Fall tillage increased to 38% complete, up 9% from a week ago. Pasture condition ratings increased and were reported as 6% very poor, 17% poor, 50% fair, 25% good and 2% excellent.

Straw prices in the midwest averaged $3.06 per small square bale (range of $2 to $4); $31.50 per large square bale (range of $27 to $36) and $12 per large round bale. Compared to the previous week, straw prices for small square bales up 2%. Large square bale prices werwe up 21%. Large round bale prices were down 70% from two weeks ago.

The next weekly hay market demand and price report for the Upper Midwest will be posted on November 30.