Hay movement across the state remained slow; however, many producers expressed optimism that demand would increase as colder weather becomes more consistent. Producers were busy fertilizing brome pastures, winterizing equipment, and marketing available hay supplies. Market participants continued to balance the decision between holding hay in storage in anticipation of improved prices and moving existing supplies to make room for the upcoming new crop. According to the US Drought Monitor for the week of January 20th, in the High Plains Region, Patchy expansion of dryness and drought was noted, mainly across Nebraska, Wyoming, and southern South Dakota. Due to periods of warm, windy weather, Nebraska reported that statewide topsoil moisture was rated 68% very short to short in early January, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Similarly, Wyoming’s topsoil moisture was rated 55% very short to short. In Kansas, the categorical percent area of abnormally dry conditions (D0) increased to above 12%, Moderate drought (D1) stayed at 4%, and there was no severe (D2), extreme (D3) or exceptional drought (D4) recorded, with almost 84% 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. Alfalfa and grass hay, all steady. Alfalfa: Dairy, $0.90-$0.95/point RFV. Good quality, stock or dry cow $120.00-$130.00 delivered. Fair/good, grinding alfalfa, large round $120.00-$130.00, large square 3×4 $115.00-$125.00. Ground and delivered locally to feed lots and dairies $145.00-$155.00. Alfalfa pellets: Sun cured 15 and 17 pct protein $230.00. Grass Hay: Bluestem, large square 3×4 $90.00 delivered. Brome, large square 3×4 $160.00 delivered. Teff, large round $135.00 delivered. The week of 1/18-1/24, 3,917T of grinding alfalfa, 778T of dairy alfalfa, and 207T of grass hay was reported bought or sold.

South Central Kansas – Demand light to moderate. Trade slow to moderate. Alfalfa and grass hay, all steady. Alfalfa: Dairy $0.95-$1.00/point RFV. Good quality, stock or dry cow $125.00-$135.00. Fair/good, grinding alfalfa large round $115.00-$125.00, large square 3×4 $105.00-$115.00. Alfalfa ground and delivered $140.00-$150.00. Alfalfa pellets: Sun cured 15 pct protein $210.00–$215.00, 17% dehydrated $335. Grass Hay: Bluestem, large round $100.00 delivered. Brome, large round and large square 3×4 $120.00-$125.00 delivered. Wheat, large round and large square 3×4 $75.00-$85.00. The week of 1/18-1/24, 8,805T of grinding alfalfa, 300T of dairy alfalfa, and 138T of grass hay was reported bought or sold.

Southeast Kansas – Demand light to moderate. Trade slow to moderate. Alfalfa and grass hay, all steady. Dairy, $0.95-$1.00/point RFV. Good, stock or dry cow, $150.00-$160.00. Fair/good grinding alfalfa, large square 3x4s $105.00–$115.00. Grass Hay: Bluestem, large round $95.00-$105.00, large square 3×4 $100.00-$110.00, small squares $160.00-$170.00. Brome, large square 3×4 $125.00-135.00, small square $190.00-$200.00. The week of 1/18-1/24, 1,480T of grass hay, 100T of grinding alfalfa, and 125T of dairy alfalfa was reported bought or sold.

Northwest Kansas – Demand light. Trade activity slow. Dairy alfalfa $1.00-$1.05/point RFV. Good, stock or dry cow, $100.00. Fair/good grinding alfalfa, large round and large square 3x4s $100.00-$110.00 delivered. Premium alfalfa, medium square 3×3 $250.00, small square $305.00-$315.00.

North Central-Northeast Kansas – Demand light to moderate. Trade activity slow to moderate. Dairy alfalfa, stock cow, and grass hay, all steady. Grinding alfalfa $5 lower. Alfalfa: Dairy $.90-$0.95/point RFV; Good, stock or dry cow, $160.00-$170.00, delivered. Fair/good, grinding alfalfa, large rounds $95.00-$105.00, large square 3×4 $80.00-$90.00 delivered. Premium alfalfa, large square 3×4 $190.00, medium square 3×3 $205.00-$215.00. Alfalfa ground and delivered $135.00-$145.00. Grass Hay: Bluestem, large round and large square 3×4 $85.00-$100.00, small square $9.00/bale. Brome, large round $150.00. Sorghum, large round $80.00, delivered. Wheat, large square $90.00. The week of 1/18-1/24, 790T of grinding alfalfa, 45T of dairy alfalfa, and 790T 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.