Demand showed minimal change during the final week of 2025. Producers continued to retain hay supplies into the new year in anticipation of improved pricing. Market activity remained limited, as many producers were not motivated sellers and were waiting for colder weather conditions before moving inventory. According to the US Drought Monitor for the week of December 31st, warmer-than-average temperatures dominated the High Plains this week, with departures ranging up to +25 degrees F above normal, while near- to below-normal temperatures were observed along northern portions of the region. Precipitation varied across the region, with most areas reporting near- to below-normal totals. Extreme drought (D3) expanded in central Colorado, while moderate drought (D1) expanded in southern Colorado, across northern portions of Nebraska, and in southeast Kansas. Abnormal dryness (D0) expanded across northeast Colorado, southern and northern portions of Nebraska, and in southeast Kansas. In Kansas, the categorical percent area of abnormally dry conditions (D0) stayed at almost 18%, Moderate drought (D1) increased to almost 10%, and there was no severe (D2), extreme (D3) or exceptional drought (D4) recorded, with more than 72% of the state experiencing no drought. Prices below reflect the average price. There could be prices higher and lower prices than those published.

Southwest Kansas – Demand light to moderate. Trade slow to moderate. Dairy alfalfa, grinding alfalfa, ground and delivered, and grass hay, all steady. Stock cow $10 lower. Alfalfa: Dairy, $0.90-$0.95/point RFV. Good quality, stock or dry cow $130.00-$140.00 delivered. Fair/good, grinding alfalfa, large round and large square 3×4 $100.00-$115.00. Ground and delivered locally to feed lots and dairies $145.00-$155.00. Alfalfa pellets: Sun cured 15 and 17 pct protein $230.00. Alfalfa, small square $10.00/bale. Bluestem, large square 3×4 $90.00 delivered. Brome, large square 3×4 $160.00 delivered. Corn stalks, large round $80.00 delivered. The week of 12/28-1/3, 6,307T of grinding alfalfa, 525T of dairy alfalfa, and 184T of grass hay was reported bought or sold.

South Central Kansas – Demand light to moderate. Trade slow to moderate. Dairy alfalfa, stock cow, grinding alfalfa, ground and delivered, and grass hay all steady. Alfalfa: Dairy $0.95-$1.00/point RFV. Good quality, stock or dry cow $130.00-$140.00. Fair/good grinding alfalfa, large rounds and large square 3×4 $105.00–$115.00 delivered. Alfalfa ground and delivered $140.00-$150.00. Alfalfa pellets: Sun cured 15 pct protein $210.00–$215.00, 17% dehydrated $335. Bluestem, large round $100.00 delivered. Brome, large round and large square 3×4 $100.00–$120.00, small square $9.00/bale. Teff, large square 3×4 $140.00. Wheat, large round and large square 3×4 $75.00-$85.00. The week of 12/28-1/3, 8,461T of grinding alfalfa, 400T of dairy alfalfa, and 186 ton of grass hay was reported bought or sold.

Southeast Kansas – Demand light to moderate. Trade slow to moderate. Dairy alfalfa $0.05 lower, stock cow $5 higher, grinding alfalfa $10 lower, brome hay $5 lower. Dairy, $0.95-$1.00/point RFV. Good, stock cow, $150.00-$160.00. Fair/good grinding alfalfa, large square 3x4s $115.00–$125.00 delivered. Bluestem, large round and large square 3x4s $95.00-$105.00, medium square 3×3 $100.00-$105.00, small squares $10.00/bale. Brome, large square 3×4 $125.00-135.00, small square $200.00. Wheat, large round $70.00. The week of 12/28-1/3, 1,384T of grass hay, 125T of grinding alfalfa, and 50T of dairy alfalfa was reported bought or sold.

Northwest Kansas – Demand light. Trade activity slow. Dairy alfalfa $1.00-$1.05/point RFV. Fair/good grinding alfalfa, large square 3x4s $120.00-$130.00 delivered. Oat hay, large square 3×4 $95.00-$105.00.

North Central-Northeast Kansas – Demand light to moderate. Trade activity slow to moderate. Dairy alfalfa, stock cow, grinding alfalfa, and alfalfa ground and delivered, all steady. Alfalfa: Dairy $.90-$1.00/point RFV; Good stock cow, $160.00-$170.00, delivered. Fair/good, grinding alfalfa, large rounds and large square 3×4 $85.00-$95.00 delivered. Alfalfa ground and delivered $135.00-$145.00.00. Bluestem, large round $95.00-$105.00, small square $9.00/bale. Brome, large round $150.00. Wheat, large square $90.00. The week of 12/28-1/3, 879T of grinding alfalfa, 50T of dairy alfalfa, and 319Tton of grass hay was reported bought or sold.

Wrapping up your Kansas Hay Market Report. This is Tessa Beeman with the Kansas Department of Agriculture, Manhattan, KS, baling out until next time.