PNW Weekly Hay Update

Eaton: “Hay sales seem to be light this week but there is strong demand.”
That’s USDA Market Reporter Robert Eaton giving an update of the Pacific Northwest’s hay market. He continues
Eaton: “The drought in California and a need for feed particularly by dairies has driven up prices. We’ve seen an increase of $5 to $10 a ton for supreme and premium quality alfalfa compared to last week. Many farmers east of the Cascades are busy right now harvesting and baling their new crop and are in the process of testing prior to sale. So there are some sales coming out here in the near future. Just hasn’t gotten to that point yet - maybe next week we will see few more sales. The weather has been good for most. Although a few areas have received rain — damage in sporadic areas. Some individuals are holding on to their harvest, in anticipation of even higher prices possibly to come. Like I said due to the drought in California.”
In Idaho, last week had very light testing with limited prices and grades to provide an accurate comparison. Trade was slow with slow demand.
Oregon’s hay prices were narrowly mixed compared to sales for the same quality the week before with a larger range of quality.
In Washington hay trade was light with many producers busy harvesting the new crop and getting it tested and marketed.