USDA Montana Hay                                   05/02 13:00
AMS_2769
 
Montana Direct Hay Report

                               Released on May 02, 2025
 
Direct Hay Weighted Average Report for week ending 05/02/2025
 
                                      VOLUME
                    This Week         Last Reported         Last Year
                                       (04/21/2025)
Tons:
      Hay           450                 1920                475                 
      Straw                             100                                     
----------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total         450                 2020                475                 
======================================================================

Compared to last week: Hay sold fully steady.
Demand for feeder hay is starting to slow as we approach summer, however 
a few sales continue to be seen.
Demand from Canadian buyers was moderate to good this week as several 
loads a week over the last few weeks are selling to buyers north of the 
border.
Most of this hay is lower quality feeder hay.
Canadian buyers have also been become interested in press hay to try 
to export to pacific rim countries.
Many producers report very good interest in good to supreme quality hay, 
however limited supplies of this quality of hay remain available.
Supplies of hay have lightened some, but remain light to moderate.
Some carry over is expected but drastically less than the last two hay seasons.
Dry conditions are noted across the far eastern and far western portions 
of the state and across the Highline.
Some producers remain optimist hay demand could improve later in the 
summer if conditions remain dry.
Some producers are ripping out hay and opting to plant a different crop.
Hay barley has been at the top of many producers lists as input and labor 
costs are lower and feed values remain relatively similar to alfalfa.
Market activity was mostly slow to moderate this week.
According to the drought monitor 56.80% of the state is in Moderate drought 
or worse, up 6.58% from last week.
13.25% of the state is in an Severe drought or worse, 0.77% lower than 
last week.
1.72% of the state is in Extreme drought or worse, unchanged from last week.
0%  of the state is in Expectational drought, unchanged from last week.
Notably, 73.62% of the state is abnormally dry, down 1.28% from last week.

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                                   N/A
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Hay Conventional
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Alfalfa Fair Per Ton
                        Qty   Price Range Wtd    Freight/   Description Crop Age
                                          Avg    Use
                        ---   ----------- ---    ---------- ----------- --------
 Large Square 3x4       225   100.0-110.0 105.56 F.O.B.                         

Alfalfa Good Per Ton
                        Qty   Price Range Wtd    Freight/   Description Crop Age
                                          Avg    Use
                        ---   ----------- ---    ---------- ----------- --------
 Large Round            200       125.0   125    F.O.B.                         

Alfalfa/Grass Mix Good Per Ton
                        Qty   Price Range Wtd    Freight/   Description Crop Age
                                          Avg    Use
                        ---   ----------- ---    ---------- ----------- --------
 Medium Square 3x3      25        150.0   150    F.O.B.-                        
                                                 Stables