Compared to the last report, hay movement has continued at a slow but steady pace. There has been a noticeable uptick in hay being transported on area roadways, with much of it believed to be headed toward wildfire relief efforts. Wildfires in southwest Kansas resulted in significant losses of cattle, forage, and grazing acreage. Adequate grass hay supplies are available statewide, with inventory positioned to assist producers in affected areas as recovery efforts continue. Overall, demand appears stable, with transportation patterns reflecting support for areas impacted by recent fires. According to the US Drought Monitor for the week of February 26th, in the High Plains region, gradual drought deterioration was noted in several areas, except North Dakota, which remains free of drought. In Nebraska, a mostly dry, windy winter has adversely affected winter wheat. Farther south, parts of Kansas and Colorado contended with high winds, grassfires, and blowing dust, especially on February 17. In Kansas, the categorical percent area of abnormally dry conditions (D0) stayed at 28%, Moderate drought (D1) increased to 7%, severe drought increased to over 1% (D2), and there was no extreme (D3) or exceptional drought (D4) recorded, with 64% 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. Stock cow $10 higher, grinding alfalfa $5 lower, and grass hay, all steady. Alfalfa: Dairy, $0.95-$1.00/point RFV. Premium alfalfa, medium square 3×3, $200.00. Good quality, stock or dry cow $150.00-$160.00. Fair/good, grinding alfalfa, large round $105.00-$115.00, large square 3×4 $95.00-$105.00. 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, small square $10.00/bale delivered. Brome, large square 3×4 $160.00 delivered. Teff, large round $135.00 delivered. The week of 2/22-2/28, 2,447T of grinding alfalfa, 525T of dairy alfalfa, and 299T 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. Horse hay, small square $15.50-$17.50/bale. Good quality, stock or dry cow, none reported. Fair/good, grinding alfalfa large round and large square 3×4 $105.00-$115.00. Alfalfa ground and delivered $140.00-$150.00. Alfalfa pellets: Sun cured 15 pct protein $215.00–$220.00, 17% dehydrated $335. Grass Hay: Bluestem, small square $8.00-$10.00/bale, medium square 3×3 $120.00, large square 3×4 $65.00-$75.00, large round $95.00 delivered. Brome, none reported. Wheat straw, large round $75.00-$85.00. The week of 2/22-2/28, 7,597T of grinding alfalfa, 425T of dairy alfalfa, and 315T of grass hay was reported bought or sold.

Southeast Kansas – Demand light to moderate. Trade slow to moderate. Alfalfa and grass hay, all steady. Alfalfa: Dairy, $0.90-$1.00/point RFV. Horse hay, small square $10/bale. Good, stock or dry cow, $155.00-$165.00. Fair/good grinding alfalfa, large round and large square 3×4 $105.00–$115.00. Grass Hay: Bluestem, large round $75.00-$85.00, large square 3×4 $95.00-$105.00, small squares $160.00-$170.00. Brome, small square $190.00-$200.00, large square 3×4 $140.00-150.00. Wheat straw, round $70.00. The week of 2/22-2/28, 1,614T of grass hay, 250T 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, $130.00-$140.00. Fair/good grinding alfalfa, large round and large square 3×4 $100.00-$115.00 delivered. Alfalfa/Orchard mix, medium square 3×3, $350.00.

North Central-Northeast Kansas – Demand light to moderate. Trade activity slow to moderate. Grinding alfalfa $10 higher. Prairie hay $10 higher. Alfalfa: Dairy $0.95-$1.00/point RFV; Good, stock or dry cow, none reported. Horse hay, small square $13.00/bale, medium square 3×3 $220.00-$230.00. Fair/good, grinding alfalfa, large round and large square 3×4 $100.00-$110.00 delivered. Alfalfa ground and delivered $130.00-$140.00. Grass Hay: Bluestem, large round and large square 3×4 $95.00-$105.00, small square $9.00/bale. Brome, large round $120.00-$130.00. Wheat straw, large square $105.00-$115.00. The week of 2/22-2/28, 545T of grinding alfalfa, 125T of dairy alfalfa, and 575T 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.