Pacific Northwest Hay Update

With very hot weather across the region, USDA Market Reporter Robert Eaton shares an update of the Pacific Northwest’s hay market of last week.
Eaton: “Prices of hay this week remain relative steady compared to last week. There is some weak undertones with light to moderate trading. Farmers in Eastern Washington and Idaho — particularly in Eastern Washington around Othello and Tri-Cities — are starting their third cutting of alfalfa. Demand remains varied for alfalfa with good demand for the supreme and premium, which is going to a lot of the dairies. While good to fair alfalfa which you are seeing on some of these second and third cuttings is showing more of a moderate to light demand. Some of the weakness in that actually is coming from weaker grain prices, particularly corn-alternative feed that can be used. We’ve seen corn drop down again this week and it has dropped down the last several weeks from what we’ve seen.”
Eaton shares more
Eaton: “The hay quality seems to be good coming out of Eastern Washington. A lot people are happy they are not dealing with issues with the rain. Some bleaching has occurred. One farmer told me he was happy it wasn’t raining at least.’