Hay Market Reports

It’s hard to believe, but with spring just weeks away, planning for the year ahead is well underway. Undoubtedly, high prices will mean corn, soybeans, wheat and cotton will compete for acreage – and irrigation water.

The transition into 2022 is well underway, with no shortage of questions related to supply and demand, domestic and export supply chains, input costs and growing conditions. We’re still waiting on some final numbers from 2021.

The hay bales are wrapped and all nestled in sheds, while supply chain distractions bounce around in our heads.

You get the picture. Here’s a look at forage market conditions entering the second week of December.

If you’re producing and marketing hay, costs are headed higher; if you’re buying, alfalfa prices continue to rise. Here’s a look at conditions entering the second week of November.

Editor's note: This article has been updated with the latest 2021 hay production estimates.

Multiple factors are coming into play as the 2021 hay harvest season winds down and new-crop marketing picks up.

For those framing their hay feeding and marketing plans, the 2021 U.S. hay harvest picture is becoming clearer.