Hay market prices remain mostly steady for alfalfa and steady for grass hay. There has been great concern over the worsening drought in Kansas. Producers state that things are getting pretty dry and, in some cases, if they do not receive rain, their alfalfa will be done for the year. Hay sales have slowed a bit with folks thinking they will hold on to some hay for later in the year, while others state they will not be backing off their current prices. Loads to feed yards have slowed leaving grinders and pellet mills anxiously waiting for cattle to return to pens. According to the US Drought Monitor for the week of August 3rd, there was little change across Wyoming, but D0 and D1 classifications expanded from northeastern Colorado and Kansas northward into Nebraska. Deteriorating conditions were also noted across North Dakota, where drought has been evident since at least spring. Exceptional drought (D4) expanded substantially to cover much of the state’s interior. For Kansas abnormal dryness (D0) increased to at just under 30.5%, while moderate drought (D1) increased to 5% and severe drought (D2) showed up at 1% in Cheyenne and Rawlins counties.

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Join agriculture leaders from across the state for the Kansas Governor’s VIRTUAL Summit on Agricultural Growth August 25th and 26th. More information about the Summit and registration can be found at www.agriculture.ks.gov/Summit.