Source: USDA Market News | March 20, 2020
Hay trades are steady in all regions. Recent drops in the cattle, grain, and global markets have had limited impacts on the hay market. Wheat pasture in the Panhandle is benefiting from the rains over the last two weeks, but it may be too little too late for producers wanting to hay the crop. Stands seem to be short and now with significant drops in the cattle market many producers are opting to leave cattle on the pastures past the March 15 cutoff date. North, Central and East Texas are once again receiving large amounts of moisture limiting fieldwork. Hay demand in South Texas remains very good with prices staying firm as the regions continues to deal with drought-like conditions and shortening hay supplies.
The Texas Department of Agriculture has a Hay Hotline set up for buyers and sellers looking for hay or grazing; the number is 1-512-787-9966.
Panhandle/High Plains
Alfalfa: Large Squares: Delivered: Supreme: 240.00-260.00; Premium: 210.00-230.00; Good: 175.00-200.00.
Small bales: Delivered: Premium: 260.00-275.00, 8.00-9.00 per bale.
Ground Alfalfa: Delivered to feedlots: Avg 190.00-200.00.
Calf 200.00-210.00. Sorghum: Large Bales: Delivered: Good: 120.00-130.00; Fair: 100.00.
Cotton Burrs: Delivered: limited 95.00-105.00.
CRP: Delivered: 80.00-125.00.
Far West Texas/Trans Pecos
Alfalfa: Small Squares: Delivered local or FOB: Premium to Supreme: 275.00-300.00, 9.00-10.00 per bale.
Large Squares: FOB: Premium to Supreme: 250.00-265.00.
Triticale: Large Rounds: FOB: 65.00 per roll.
North, Central, and East Texas
Alfalfa: Large Squares: Delivered: Premium to Supreme: 255.00- 270.00, instances 280.00.
Coastal Bermuda: Small Squares: FOB: Premium: 260.00-330.00, 8.00- 10.00 per bale; Good: 200.00-260.00, 6.00-10.00 per bale.
Large Rounds: FOB: Good to Premium: 120.00-140.00, 60.00-70.00 per roll.
South Texas
Coastal Bermuda: Small Squares: FOB: Good to Premium: 260.00- 330.00, 8.00-10.00 per bale; Fair to Good: 165.00-260.00, 5.00-8.00 per bale.
Large Rounds: FOB and delivered locally: Good to Premium: 140.00- 180.00, 80.00-95.00 per roll; Fair or Grass Mix: 100.00-130.00, 50.00-60.00 per roll.