Hay movement remained steady to slower in most areas as available inventories continue to decline. Producers are awaiting additional moisture and cooler temperatures as drought conditions intensify across portions of the state. Failed soybean, corn, and sorghum acres are being baled in some areas as producers seek additional forage and alternative feed sources for the winter. As drought conditions persist and producers explore alternative feed options, producers are reminded to review pesticide labels and follow all applicable requirements regarding the use of treated crops for livestock feed. According to the US Drought Monitor for the week of September 17th, in the High Plains region Eastern Kansas had above normal precipitation over the past week; this led to improvement in drought conditions in this area. Extreme drought continues over much of Colorado and Wyoming, western Nebraska and the Dakotas, and in eastern North Dakota. In Kansas, the categorical percent area of abnormally dry conditions (D0) increased to 39%, Moderate drought (D1) stayed at 22%, severe drought (D2) decreased to 29%, extreme drought (D3) decreased to .5% and there was no exceptional drought (D4) recorded with only 9% 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 moderate to good. Trade moderate. Dairy alfalfa and grass hay, all steady. Grinding hay $5 higher. Alfalfa: Dairy, $1.10-$1.20/point RFV. Fair/good grinding alfalfa, large round and large square 3×4 $240.00-$250.00. Ground and delivered locally to feed lots and dairies $255.00-$265.00. Alfalfa pellets: Sun cured 15 and 17 pct protein $280.00-$290.00. Grass hay: Bluestem, none reported. Brome, none reported. Wheat straw, round $145.00-$155.00 delivered, small square $5.00/bale. Teff, large round $215.00-$225.00. The week of 9/13-9/19, 6,225T of grinding alfalfa, 0T of dairy alfalfa, and 100T of grass hay was reported bought or sold.

South Central Kansas – Demand moderate to good. Trade moderate. Dairy alfalfa and grass hay, all steady. Grinding alfalfa and ground and delivered $5 higher. Alfalfa: Dairy $1.10-$1.15/point RFV. Horse hay, small square $18/bale. Good, stock cow, $225.00-$235.00. Fair/good, grinding alfalfa large round $210.00-$220.00, large square 3×4 $230.00-$240.00. Alfalfa ground and delivered $250.00-$260.00. Alfalfa pellets: Sun cured 15 pct protein $280.00-$285.00, 17% dehydrated $355. Grass hay: Bluestem, large round $155.00-$165.00 delivered, small square $10/bale. Brome, large square 3×4 $175.00-$185.00, small square $14/bale. The week of 9/13-9/19, 7,557T of grinding alfalfa, 150T of dairy alfalfa, and 142T of grass hay was reported bought or sold.

Southeast Kansas – Demand moderate to good. Trade slow to moderate. Dairy alfalfa and grass hay, all steady. Grinding alfalfa $5 higher. Alfalfa: Dairy, $1.20-$1.30/point RFV. Fair/good grinding alfalfa, large square 3×4 $195.00–$205.00. Grass hay: Bluestem, large round $105.00-$115.00, large square 3×4 $125.00-$135.00, small squares $8/bale. Brome, large square 3×4 $160.00-$170.00, small square $12/bale. Wheat straw, round $70.00-$80.00, small square $6.00/bale. Teff, small square $12/bale. The week of 9/13-9/19, 1,850T of grass hay, 325T of grinding alfalfa, and 175T of dairy alfalfa was reported bought or sold.

Northwest Kansas – Demand moderate to good. Trade activity slow to moderate. Dairy alfalfa $1.10-$1.20/point RFV. Premium/Supreme, large square 3×4 $220.00-$230.00. Fair/good grinding alfalfa, large square 3×4 $205.00-$215.00.

North Central-Northeast Kansas – Demand moderate. Trade activity slow to moderate. Dairy alfalfa and grass hay, all steady. Grinding hay $10 higher. Alfalfa: Dairy $1.20-$1.30/point RFV. Fair/good grinding alfalfa, large square 3×4 $195.00-$205.00. Alfalfa ground and delivered $185.00-$195.00. Grass Hay: Bluestem, large round $100.00-$110.00, large square 3×4 $115.00-$125.00, small square $8/bale. Brome, large round $145.00-$155.00, large square 3×4 $180.00-$190.00, small square, $10/bale. Wheat straw, round $65.00-$75.00, large square 3×4 $115.00-$125.00, small square $7/bale. The week of 9/13-9/19, 664T of grinding alfalfa, 300T of dairy alfalfa, and 1,084T 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.