U.S. hay prices have declined for the sixth month in a row, according to the November USDA Agricultural Prices report released Nov. 26.
Alfalfa prices dropped an average of $10/ton throughout the nation during the month – to $184/ton compared to a slightly higher November 2013 price of $188/ton.
All-hay prices also dropped, by $9/ton from October, averaging $164/ton in November. The November 2013 price for all hay was $168/ton.
Eight states reported alfalfa-price declines in November, 10 states saw price increases and nine experienced no price changes.
\Utah’s alfalfa prices experienced the biggest decline, by $15/ton from $200 to $185 in November. Kansas was close behind with a $13/ton reduction from $170 to $157.
Minnesota alfalfa growers gained an average price hike of $27/ton to $160/ton; Idaho and Michigan each had a $20 rise to $220/ton and $185/ton, respectively, from October to November. Wisconsin’s alfalfa price increased an average $16/ton during the month, to $173.
Of the 27 hay-reporting states, 12 states saw a drop in all-hay average prices, 12 reported increases and three experienced no price changes.