In South Dakota , hay prices were mostly steady . Demand is light with low trade volume . Purchases are only for curren t needs . The focus this week is on field work and planting. Most hay producers are sold out of last year ’ s crop.
In I llinois , demand is moderate, with moderate activity and steady prices . Some southern areas of the state have begun the 2016 hay harvest. Ther e is a good demand for straw at the market.
For Missouri, h ay demand is light, supply is moderate and prices are steady. First crop hay harvest has beg u n . Yields are lower than anticipated. The good news is dry areas in the state have received some rain.
In Southwest Minnesota, weak prices this week for the quality offered. Hay supply is greater than last year a nd prices reflect a decreased demand for hay .
In Wisconsin , hay supply exceeds demand at most auctions . Prices held steady this week . Some markets have discontinued hay auctions as planting season has arrived . Hay crop appears to have m ade it through the winter in good shape and with spring moisture there should be adequate hay supply in 2016. Most markets mentioned there is a dem and for straw. S traw prices were st eady .
Small square bale price averaged $ 3 . 3 0 a bale (range of $ 1 . 00 to $6.00) . L arge square bale price increased $ 2 .00 a bale this week , with an average price of $ 30 . 0 0 per bale (range of $ 1 5 . 00 to $ 56 .00); and large round bale s w ere $ 5 .00 lower per bale compared to the last report with an av erage price $ 2 3 .00 per bale ( range of $ 1 9 .00 - $ 30 .00 per bale ) .
Source:uwex.edu