Demand and Sales Activity
Hay prices were steady this past week compared to the previous report . S mall square bale alfalfa provide d a premium price at auction and p rices reflect the demand for small packaged hay.
For Nebraska , prices were mostly steady . There was a strong d emand for small square hay in the market this week as farmers were preparing for forecasted heavy snow . The bulk of hay is for f eedlots with good demand from small farmers and horse owners, reflecting the premium paid for small package hay .
For Iowa , weather was pushing farmers to purchase hay a nd bedding . Dairymen are finding dairy quality hay, but the majority of hay sold was Grade 3 hay for grinding at lower prices.
In South Dakota , compared to last week hay sold with mostly steady under tones . With weather concerns there is a firm de mand for bedding materials . One negative in the market , there is a l imited volume of hay available at auction .
For Missouri, extreme weather temperature swings highlight the hay feeding season . Hay movement is quite light and some farmers may have an adequate hay supply into spring. Hay supply is heavy, demand is light, and prices remain steady.
In Southwest Minnesota, increase in the supply of hay offered for auction this week , the m ajority of the hay was lower quality hay.
For Illinois, hay demand was moderate to good; prices were mostly steady, with firm prices for small square bales in the market . Hay producers are measuring their hay inventory to see if their supply will cover demand before this year’s harvest . In Wisconsin , finally some prime quality alfalfa hay at auction. L ower quality hay is plentiful in Wisconsin .
Overall hay prices are steady when compared to the last report. T he M idwest straw prices continue st eady with literally no change in prices from the last market report . Straw price for s mall square bale s averaged $ 3 . 4 5 a bale (range of $ 1 . 0 0 to $6.00) . L arge square bale straw price was steady , with an average price of $ 3 3 . 6 0 per bale (range of $ 2 3 . 00 to $ 5 3 .00); and large roun d bale straw price was steady , av erage price was $ 27 .00 per bale ( range of $ 1 3 .00 - $ 3 6 .00 per bale ) . There is a good d emand for straw in the Midwest.
Source:uwex.edu