Movement slowed this past week as moisture was received across many areas of the state. Prices remained firm due to limited forage supplies. Depending on the region, alfalfa and grass hay conditions have improved with recent precipitation and warmer temperatures, supporting forage growth. According to the US Drought Monitor for the week of May 28th, as below-normal temperatures transitioned back to a hot pattern across the High Plains, widespread precipitation moved through the region. This precipitation was sufficient to bring some drought reduction across northern and northeastern Colorado, but drier conditions across southeastern Colorado and Kansas, coupled with hot temperatures, resulted in degradation. In Kansas, the categorical percent area of abnormally dry conditions (D0) decreased to 12%, Moderate drought (D1) decreased to 18%, severe drought (D2) increased to 27%, extreme drought (D3) stayed at 13%, there was no exceptional drought (D4) recorded and 31% of the state has no drought. 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 and grass hay, all steady. Grinding alfalfa $10 higher, ground and delivered $5 higher. Alfalfa: Dairy, $0.90-$1.00/point RFV. Fair/good, grinding alfalfa, large round $105.00-$115.00 and large square 3×4 $135.00-$145.00. Ground and delivered locally to feed lots and dairies $180.00-$190.00. 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 5/24-5/30, 7,668T of grinding alfalfa, 250T 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. Large square grinding hay $10 higher. Alfalfa: Dairy $1.00-$1.10/point RFV. Fair/good, grinding alfalfa large round and large square 3×4 $125.00-$135.00. Alfalfa ground and delivered $140.00-$150.00. Alfalfa pellets: Sun cured 15 pct protein $220.00-$230.00, 17% dehydrated $330. Grass Hay: Bluestem, large round $60.00-$70.00, 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 round $75.00-$85.00. The week of 5/24-5/30, 7,063T of grinding alfalfa, 425T of dairy alfalfa, and 996T of grass hay was reported bought or sold.

Southeast Kansas – Demand moderate to good. Trade slow to moderate. Alfalfa, all steady. Large square prairie hay $10 higher, all brome hay $10 higher. Alfalfa: Dairy, $0.95-$1.05/point RFV. Good, stock or dry cow, $150.00-$160.00. Fair/good grinding alfalfa, large square 3×4 $120.00–$130.00. Grass Hay: Bluestem, large round $95.00-$105.00, large square 3×4 $110.00-$125.00, small squares $175.00-$185.00. Brome large square 3×4 $155.00-$165.00, small square $240.00-$260.00. Wheat straw, round and square $80.00-$90.00. The week of 5/24-5/30, 1,574T of grass hay, 96T of grinding alfalfa, and 75T 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. Dairy alfalfa and grass hay, all steady. Grinding alfalfa $10 higher. Alfalfa: Dairy $1.05-$1.20/point RFV; Horse hay, small square $13.00/bale. Fair/good, grinding alfalfa, large round and large square 3×4 $90.00-$105.00 delivered. Alfalfa ground and delivered $130.00-$140.00. Grass Hay: Bluestem, large round $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 5/24-5/30, 530T of grinding alfalfa, 346T of dairy alfalfa, and 667T 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.