Weekly Hay Market Demand And Price Report For The Upper Midwest As Of February 6 , 2015

Feb 17, 2015

Demand and Sales Activity

Snowfall in areas of the Midwest has increased hay use this past week . Hay supplies at auction w ere good , but demand w as light . Overall hay prices increased about $2.00 per ton this week . Small square alfalfa bales were similar to last week ’ s price , l a rge square bale prices increased slightly , along with l arge round bale prices . Summing up the markets, s ales activity was light , supplies were good, quality hay sold for a good price , and lower quality alfalfa hay pri ces held firm .

For Nebraska , compared to the last report alfalfa hay sold full y steady . There is d emand for “ grinding type ” feeds at area feedlots.

For Iowa , alfalfa hay trade was slow in part due to weather conditions from snow and blowing snow early in the week , result ing in light supplies and demand this week .

In South Dakota , light reported trade volume this week with steady prices . Hay demand is light as dairy producers are reluctant to buy alfalfa hay unless it is a must. High quality dairy alfalfa hay is in tight supply, with good or lesser quality in an abundant supply.

For Missouri , first measurable snow fell this week and farmers are not concerned about prolonged winter weather , as many are thinking of spring green up . Unlike past years many farms have good hay supplies resulting in a light demand for hay at auction, but prices have been steady .

In Southwest Minnesota , no premium quality hay was offered, but good quality hay was available with prices stronger compared to the last report .

For Illinois , dem and was light to moderate with m oderate to heavy hay offerings and steady prices . In Wisconsin, hay prices decreased with no premium quality alfalfa hay offered , the majority of sales were good quality large packaged bales .

Square bale s traw pric es in the Midwest were slightly weaker this week, compared to last week. S mall square bales averaged $ 3 . 00 per bale (range of $ 1 . 0 0 to $ 5.00 ); $ 3 2 . 2 0 per large square bale (range of $ 2 5 .00 to $ 5 0 . 6 0 ) ; and large round bale straw was $ 2 .80 per bale higher compared to last week , w ith an average price of $ 3 6 . 6 0 per bale (range of $ 2 6 . 0 0 to $ 46.25 )

Source:uwex.edu

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