Regional Weekly Hay Report

Here is USDA Grain and Livestock Reporter Greg Sanders with the Columbia Basin Hay report from last week.
Sanders: “We had about 3,500 tons of hay trade this week. Compared to last Friday, premium alfalfa and export alfalfa, steady to weak. Trade remains slow. Premium to supreme mid-squares alfalfa that was tarped sold for $165 to $170. Good alfalfa for export that was also tarped sold for $147 to $150 per ton.
In Idaho compared to the previous week good/premium and other grades of alfalfa was steady. Trade slow this week as most buyers working on previously bought supplies. Stack damage due to winter weather conditions make buying quality hay harder. Mid square bales of alfalfa rated good to premium that was tarped sold between $130 per ton.
In Oregon, trade generally steady compared to previous week’s prices. The recent cold snap has increased sales. In Central Oregon orchard grass small square bales rated premium for the retail/stable market sold from $250 to $270 per ton. In Klamath Basin, large squares of supreme alfalfa sold for $210. In Harney County large squares of alfalfa rated good sold for $140 per ton.
Northwest Farm Credit Services Vice President of Customer Insights Michael Stolp shares highlights from the fourth quarter Market Snapshot for hay.
Stolp: “Northwest hay markets are tepid, pressured by exporters’ and dairies’ ample supplies of hay on hand. The lack of quality hay in the market, marginal dairy profitability, slow export markets and excess hay stocks are keeping most buyers out of the market.”