Serine
During the past week ending July 22, the Kansas hay market experienced light demand and slow to moderate trading, as reported by the Kansas Department of Agriculture – USDA Market News Service. Prices held mostly steady, despite weather-related challenges hampering harvest operations.
While there was a slight increase in grass hay movement, frequent rainfall across Kansas continues to disrupt hay production.
However, producers anticipate ample supply of grinding hay going forward. Prices listed are average per ton, unless otherwise specified.
Southwest Kansas: Moderate Trading Activity
- Demand: Light
- Trade: Moderate
- Price Trends: Steady across dairy, grinding, and delivered alfalfa
Alfalfa Prices:
- Dairy Alfalfa: $1–$1.10 per point RFV
- Dry Cow/Good Stock: $130
- Grinding Alfalfa (Large Rounds): $110–$120 delivered
- Grinding Alfalfa (Large Squares): $120–$125 delivered
- Ground & Delivered: $150–$160
Pellets:
- 15% Protein (Sun-Cured): $215–$220
- 17% Protein: $220–$225
Weekly Volume (ending July 19):
- Grinding Alfalfa: 5,182.50 tons
- Dairy Alfalfa: None reported
South Central Kansas: Slight Price Increase on Delivered Alfalfa
- Demand and Trade: Light to moderate
- Alfalfa Pellets and Dairy Alfalfa: Steady
- Delivered Alfalfa: Up $5
Alfalfa Pricing:
- Small Squares: $10/bale
- Dairy Alfalfa: $1–$1.10 per point RFV
- Stock Cow Hay: $125–$135
- Grinding Alfalfa (Large Rounds): $110–$115 delivered
- Grinding Alfalfa (3×4 & 4×4 Squares): $110–$120 delivered
- Ground & Delivered: $135–$145
Pellets:
- 15% Protein (Sun-Cured): $210–$215
- 17% Protein (Dehydrated): $340
Other Hay Types:
- Brome (Medium Squares): $120–$130
Weekly Volume (ending July 19):
- Grinding Alfalfa: 5,868 tons
- Dairy Alfalfa: 525 tons
Southeast Kansas: Minimal Movement Despite Stable Prices
- Demand: Light
- Trade: Slow
- All hay types remained steady
Prices:
- Dairy Alfalfa: $1.05–$1.10/point RFV
- Small Squares: $8–$10/bale
- Grinding Alfalfa (Large Squares): $100–$125
- Bluestem (Large Rounds): $70–$80
- Bluestem (Squares): $110–$120
- Small Bluestem Squares: $140–$160
- Brome (Large Squares): $115–$125
- Wheat Straw (Large Squares): $60–$70
Weekly Volume (ending July 19):
- Grass Hay: 1,182 tons
Northwest Kansas: Very Low Demand and Activity
- Demand: Little to none
- Trade: Very slow
Prices:
- Horse Hay (Small Squares): $195–$205
- Grinding Alfalfa (Rounds & Squares): $90–$100
- Wheat Straw (Large Squares): $90
North Central/Northeast Kansas: Steady Market Amid Light Activity
- Demand: Light
- Trade: Slow
- Prices across all hay types steady
Alfalfa Prices:
- Horse Hay (Small Squares): $10–$12/bale
- Dairy Alfalfa: $1–$1.05/point RFV
- Grinding Alfalfa (Large Rounds): $70–$80
- Grinding Alfalfa (Squares): $105–$115 delivered
- Ground & Delivered: $135–$145
Grass Hay:
- Bluestem (Large Rounds): $70–$80
- Bluestem (Large Squares): $90–$100
- Wheat Straw (Rounds/Squares): $45–$65
Weekly Volume (ending July 19):
- Grinding Alfalfa: 926 tons
- Dairy Alfalfa: 775 tons
The Kansas hay market continues to face slow trading conditions and light demand, largely due to ongoing rainfall interrupting the harvest.
While prices have remained mostly stable, regional variations in volume and delivery costs reflect the current state of supply and logistics.
As more grinding hay becomes available, producers and buyers may see a shift in pricing and demand trends heading into August.