Hay market prices were steady for alfalfa and mostly steady for grass hay while demand remains good. Producers report they are extremely busy trying to stay ahead of everything that needs to be done this time of year. Most are busy with second cutting while a few have third ready to go. Most areas of Kansas have received on again-off again spotty rains, except for a couple of unlucky pockets along the northern and southern borders. According to the US Drought Monitor for the week of July 6th, abnormal dryness (D0) decreased to 9.5%, and moderate drought (D1) increased to .50%. No severe drought (D2) was reported. Complete Report Here.

Kansas has been lucky this year and is in much better shape than our neighbors to the north. North Dakota cattle producers are struggling under severe drought and the State has reactivated their drought hotline. Information on the Drought Hotline can be found at www.nd.gov/ndda/drought-resources. Join agriculture leaders from across the state for the Kansas Governor’s Summit on Agricultural Growth August 25^th and 26th. More information about the Summit, including a link to the registration site, can be found at www.agriculture.ks.gov/Summit.