Hay prices

[Mobuck]

Since the subject was raised by my other post: Current MidWest hay market is a seller's dream. Unfortunately, most sellers don't have much to sell. I usually sell 4-6 semi-loads of big round bales every year. This year I didn't have enough to make even 2 short loads. Local market is usually glutted by farmers who have more than they need and are trying to sell their excess. This year those farmers are buyers.
Hay quality is a big selling point. I have a reputation for producing #1 quality brome horse/sheep/goat hay and could have sold 5X what I had available. I'm hoping the local buyers remember me and come back next year for more.

 

[Lt Choate]

We here in middle TN have had plenty of rain and plenty of hay being baled but I am still seeing the highest prices I have ever seen for my horses. I know the cost of fuel, labor and equipment is higher but I am not sure why it has jumped so much.

 

[arfmel]

Fertilizer costs are part of the problem as well

 

[wolfsong]

Premium/Supreme horse grade old crop alfalfa is selling for $320 a ton in the Central San Joaquin Valley. Premium/Supreme oat hay is going for $195 per ton.

 

[krw]

One of my Dad's Friend told me when I started farming, if you hav hay everybody has hay, if you dont have hay nobody has hay. Lots hav changed in 35 yrs. Tx can really upset the price if hay in SW Ark. Good fertilized, sprayed hay selling here for $220/ton. BUT this is where the bale comes into play. You can sell a 4x5 for $70 but you cant sell a 5x6 for $130. Thats 78 ft3/141 ft3 of mass. If/when I sell hay, I sell 4x5's. In SW Ark people jus dont buy/or sell hay by ton. It amazes me!! The real moneyis in ultra premium Burmuda horse hay. I just aint hingry enough to put up with the hassle tho