Weekly Hay Market Demand and Price Report for the Upper Midwest

Weekly Hay Market Demand and Price Report for the Upper Midwest

as of June 26, 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 29%. Large square bale prices were

down 10%. Large round bale prices were down 3%. Sales activity was light to moderate.

In Nebraska, hay prices were steady. Hay sales where few with light demand and trade activity. Persistent rains have been very good for grass growth, but have placed quite a bit of damaged hay at the edge of the field placing pressure on hay demand. For Iowa, hay prices were mixed to $17.15 lower. New hay sales were very light as rains continue to plague the state. Inquiry was good with light demand and quiet trade activity. In South Dakota, hay prices were mixed to $14.60 lower. No sales of straw were reported. Buyer inquiry increased for most classes. Demand weakened for grinding hay as supply gets larger. Rain amounts, light to heavy, were still causing many acres of swathed hay to lie. For Missouri, hay prices were steady. Hay demand and movement were light and the supply was heavy. Several days of extreme heat set in over the state with the heat index surpassing 100 for the majority of the last week. Despite the heat, farmers remained very busy, as some were still trying to plant crops; some trying to cut wheat or fescue; and others still haying. Moisture for the last four weeks has exceeded 4 inches in all but six counties of the state, and it past the 10 inch mark in ten counties which has made farming a struggle as excess moisture has been the story for much of the year. There were some reports of hay being sold out of the field

In Southwest Minnesota, hay prices were $8.00 lower. Sales activity was light. The demand for Illinois hay was moderate to good for light to moderate offerings. Prices were $38.60 higher. There was light attendance due to excessive heat conditions. Over half of the offerings were made up of new crop hay.

For Wisconsin, there were no reports on sales activities and demand. First cutting hay was reported as 87 percent complete. Some growers were hoping for more rain to get their second crop off in the right direction, while some are hoping for a break from rain to help their first crop dry out. For the most part, reports indicate that the first crop came in with pretty good quality and yields, and second crop is off to an excellent start. Potato leafhopper nymphs were evident in virtually all second growth alfalfa. Surveys indicate that counts have increased over last week, but remain below economic levels in the majority of fields. Pasture conditions improved and were reported as 2% very poor, 7% poor, 20% fair, 55% good, and 16% excellent.

Straw prices in the Midwest averaged $2.49 per small square bale (range of $1.25 to $4.00). Compared to the previous week, straw prices for small square bales were down 3%.

Hay Price Summary

		---------- Price ($/ton) ----------
Hay Grade	Bale type	Average	Minimum	Maximum
Prime (> 151 RFV/RFQ)	Small Square	170.00	90.00	260.00
	Large Square	137.44	75.00	180.00
	Large Round	95.31	47.50	130.00
Grade 1 (125 to 150 RFV/RFQ)	Small Square	144.00	68.00	220.00
	Large Square	65.00	60.00	80.00
	Large Round	58.75	40.00	67.50
Grade 2 (103 to 124 RFV/RFQ)	Small Square	No reported sales
	Large Square	42.50	30.00	55.00
	Large Round	27.50	15.00	40.00

The next Weekly Hay Market Demand and Price Report for the Upper Midwest will be posted

on July 6.

Cooperative Extension of the University of Wisconsin-Extension