Hay production down, grass hay prices weaker

Hay production and forage supply prospects for cattle producers are finishing the growing season in better shape than might have been expected at mid-year. Drought conditions across the Northern Plains that began in late May and worsened into the early summer forced abnormally high numbers of cattle to be moved out of that region to feedlots or areas with better forage. Grass hay values were surprisingly weak in August, mostly due to a 25 percent price decline in Oklahoma, the third largest non-Alfalfa hay producing state. Grass hay prices were down 5 percent in Texas, the largest producer of non-Alfalfa hay. Read more…