Demand and Sales Activity
Overall hay price trended weaker this week when compared to the previous report . Spring field work and fewer markets holding hay auctions may have contribute d to the decrease . Locally the markets have a good supply of hay with little demand. Small square bale prices have decreased compared to previous reports.
For Nebraska , hay sold steady this past week . The small square bale market dropped $10.00 - $15.00 per ton. D emand was light for all forage products . Rainfall has farmers optimistic.
For Iowa , prices were firm this week . There is a good supp ly of quality hay available at the market. The concern of winter kill and frost damage on alfalfa stands in the state has decreased and increased the supply of hay available
In South Dakota , hay prices were mostly steady . Demand is light Most producer s are purchasing hay only if they have a need as spring turnout of livestock is just around the corner .
In illinois , no auctions reporting this week as some have completed their hay auction season . Spring provides optimism for all farmers into the 2016 gro wing season.
For Missouri, hay supply is moderate, demand is light, and prices are steady. Plant ing is ahead of schedule and some farmers have harvested wheat hay has baleage and will need to harvest fescue hay soon for top qual ity. Many are watching the drought monitor, crops are being planted, but 62% of the state is now on the drought monitor.
In Southwest Minnesota, p rices were weaker this week for the quality offered. Hay supply is greater than last year and price s reflect a decreased demand for hay .
In Wisconsin , hay supply exceeds demand at most auctions . Prices were steady this week . Some markets have discontinued hay auctions as planting season has arrived . Hay crop appears to have made it t hrough the winter in good shape and with spring moisture there should be adequate hay supply in 2016.
Straw prices were st eady . S mall square bale price averaged $ 3 . 20 a bale (range of $ 2 . 4 0 to $6.00) . L arge square bale price decreased $ 4 .00 a bale this week , with an average price of $ 28 . 0 0 per bale (range of $ 1 7 . 00 to $ 4 1 .00); and large round bale s w ere $ 2 .00 higher compared to the last report with an av erage price $ 2 8 .00 per bale ( range of $ 1 6 .00 - $ 4 5 .00 per bale ) .
Source:uwex.edu