U.S. hay prices inched upward in May compared to the previous month’s totals, according to the Agricultural Prices report released by USDA May 30.
The average all-hay price in the 27 reporting states was $202/ton, an increase of $11/ton when compared to April's $191/ton figure. In May 2013, all-hay prices were at $203/ton.
Drought-stricken Western states posted the highest prices in the May report. New Mexico reported an average of $256/ton, followed by California at $246/ton, Arizona at $240/ton and Nevada at $235.
The nation's lowest all-hay prices were $98/ton in North Dakota, $114/ton in Missouri and $120/ton in Nebraska.
The overall average U.S. alfalfa price jumped to $224/ton in May, an increase of $18/ton from the April average. The May 2013 national average price was $221/ton.
New Mexico also reported the highest alfalfa price last month at $265/ton. California was close behind at $260/ton, and Texas reported $252. The lowest alfalfa prices were found in North Dakota, at $99/ton; Nebraska, $125/ton; and Montana, $135/ton.
Click here to see more...