Demand remained strong this past week as drought conditions persist. The eastern third of the state received substantial moisture and reports good crop conditions, while the rest of the state continues to await rainfall. Buyer interest in new crop remains high as forage inventories decline. Some producers report a good first cutting of alfalfa, with many others preparing to begin harvest. According to the US Drought Monitor for the week of April 30th, in the High Plains Region, Precipitation delivered drought relief to some areas, including parts of southern South Dakota and eastern sections of Nebraska and Kansas. Drought continued to generally worsen in eastern Colorado and western sections of Kansas and Nebraska. In Kansas, the categorical percent area of abnormally dry conditions (D0) stayed at 13%, Moderate drought (D1) decreased to 19%, severe drought (D2) increased to 34%, extreme drought (D3) increased to 4%, and there was no exceptional drought (D4) recorded. Prices below reflect the average price. There could be prices higher and lower prices than those published.

Southwest Kansas – Demand moderate to good. Trade slow to moderate. Dairy alfalfa, grinding alfalfa, and grass hay, all steady. Ground and delivered $10 higher. Alfalfa: Dairy, $0.90-$1.00/point RFV. Good quality, stock or dry cow $130.00-$140.00. Fair/good, grinding alfalfa, large round $105.00-$115.00 and large square 3×4 $95.00-$105.00. Ground and delivered locally to feed lots and dairies $165.00-$175.00. Alfalfa pellets: Sun cured 15 and 17 pct protein $230.00. Grass Hay: Bluestem, large round and large square 3×4 $75.00-$85.00, small square $10.00/bale delivered. Brome, large square 3×4 $160.00 delivered. The week of 4/26-5/2, 6,907T of grinding alfalfa, 1,100T of dairy alfalfa, and 115T of grass hay was reported bought or sold.

South Central Kansas – Demand moderate to good. Trade slow to moderate. Dairy alfalfa and grass hay, all steady. Grinding alfalfa $5 higher. Alfalfa: Dairy $0.95-$1.05/point RFV. Horse hay, small square $17.00-$19.00/bale. Fair/good, grinding alfalfa large round $120.00-$130.00, large square 3×4 $105.00-$115.00. Alfalfa ground and delivered $135.00-$145.00. Alfalfa pellets: Sun cured 15 pct protein $215.00–$220.00, 17% dehydrated $330. Grass Hay: Bluestem, large round $60.00-$80.00, small square $17.50-$18.50/bale. Brome, large round $70.00-$80.00, medium square 3×3 $120.00-$130.00. Wheat straw, large square $75.00-$85.00. The week of 4/26-5/2, 7,478T of grinding alfalfa, 350T of dairy alfalfa, and 552T of grass hay was reported bought or sold.

Southeast Kansas – Demand moderate to good. Trade slow to moderate. Dairy alfalfa and prairie hay, all steady. Grinding alfalfa and large square brome $5 higher. Alfalfa: Dairy, $0.90-$1.00/point RFV. Good, stock or dry cow, $150.00-$160.00. Fair/good grinding alfalfa, large square 3×4 $110.00–$120.00. Grass Hay: Bluestem, large round and large square 3×4 $95.00-$105.00, small squares $175.00-$185.00. Brome, large square 3×4 $140.00-$150.00, small square $190.00-$200.00. Wheat straw, large round $70.00. The week of 4/26-5/2, 1,982T of grass hay, 231T of grinding alfalfa, and 50T of dairy alfalfa was reported bought or sold.

Northwest Kansas – Demand moderate to good. Trade activity slow to moderate. Dairy alfalfa $1.00-$1.05/point RFV. Horse hay, medium square 3×3 $175.00-$185.00, small square $195.00-$205.00. Fair/good grinding alfalfa, large round and large square 3×4 $100.00-$115.00 delivered.

North Central-Northeast Kansas – Demand moderate. Trade activity slow to moderate. Alfalfa and grass hay, all steady. Alfalfa: Dairy $0.95-$1.05/point RFV; 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 $85.00-$95.00 delivered. Alfalfa ground and delivered $130.00-$140.00. Grass Hay: Bluestem, large round and large square 3×4 $90.00-$100.00, small square $9.00/bale. Brome, small square, $9.00/bale. Wheat straw, large round and large square $70.00-$80.00. The week of 4/26-5/2, 480T of grinding alfalfa, 346T of dairy alfalfa, and 713T 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.