USDA Montana Hay                                   04/26 13:15
AMS_2769
 
Montana Direct Hay Report

                               Released on April 26, 2024
 
Direct Hay Weighted Average Report for week ending 04/26/2024
 
                                      VOLUME
                    This Week         Last Reported         Last Year
                                       (04/15/2024)
Tons:
      Hay           3320                951                 525                 
----------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total         3320                951                 525                 
======================================================================

Compared to last week: Hay sold generally steady.
Several loads of hay continue to sell to buyers looking for hay incase 
a severe drought develops.
Many locations remain dry and mountain snowpack is well below average.
According to USDA NRCS the latest Snow water equivalent map showed all 
of the state well below normal.
The Sun-Teton-Marias and the upper Missouri basins were the lowest with 
48% and 39% of normal respectfully according to the latest map released 
April 25th.
Much needed moisture is being seen today (Friday) in many locations across 
the southern and far western portions of the state.
Additional rain is forecast to start the week as well.
Demand from Canadian buyers was very good this week as several loads 
sold to Canada for immediate use.
Many Canadian buyers report dry conditions and lots of winter kill on 
cover crops which are normally used for spring grazing.
Supplies of hay remain heavy which is keeping hay prices near steady.
Some producers are content to carry hay over into the next crop year 
and hope demand continues to improve.
The best demand for feeder quality (utility and fair) hay remains around 
$130.00-150.00/ton delivered.
Demand for straw is light as heavy straw supplies continue to be seen 
especially in the northern portion of the state.
According to the drought monitor 39.72% of the state is in Moderate drought 
or worse, up 4.32% from last week.
12.69% of the state is in an Severe drought or worse, unchanged from last week.
1.47% of the state is in Extreme drought or worse, up 0.97% from last week.

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                                   N/A
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Hay Conventional
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Alfalfa Fair Per Ton
                        Qty   Price Range Wtd    Freight/   Description Crop Age
                                          Avg    Use
                        ---   ----------- ---    ---------- ----------- --------
 Large Square 3x4       2000  120.0-130.0 122.5  F.O.B.                         

Alfalfa Good Per Ton
                        Qty   Price Range Wtd    Freight/   Description Crop Age
                                          Avg    Use
                        ---   ----------- ---    ---------- ----------- --------
 Large Square 3x4       50        150.0   150    F.O.B.                         

Alfalfa Premium Per Ton
                        Qty   Price Range Wtd    Freight/   Description Crop Age
                                          Avg    Use
                        ---   ----------- ---    ---------- ----------- --------
 Large Square 3x4       120       180.0   180    F.O.B.-                        
                                                 Feedlot/dairy

Alfalfa Utility Per Ton
                        Qty   Price Range Wtd    Freight/   Description Crop Age
                                          Avg    Use
                        ---   ----------- ---    ---------- ----------- --------
 Large Square 3x4       1000      110.0   110    F.O.B.                         

Grass Fair Per Ton
                        Qty   Price Range Wtd    Freight/   Description Crop Age
                                          Avg    Use
                        ---   ----------- ---    ---------- ----------- --------
 Large Round            150       80.0    80     F.O.B.     CRP