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USDA Montana Hay 05/29 13:40
AMS_2769
Montana Direct Hay Report
Released on May 29, 2026
Direct Hay Weighted Average Report for week ending 05/29/2026
VOLUME
This Week Last Reported Last Year
(05/11/2026)
Bales:
Hay 11
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Total 11
Tons:
Hay 750 695 425
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Total 750 695 425
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Compared to last report(5-15-26): Hay sold mostly 15.00-20.00 higher
in a narrow comparison.
Hay supplies across the state are very light and continue to lighten
as ranchers buy hay to supplement cattle waiting on grass.
Demand is very good as a result.
Ranchers are watching the forecast closely with much of western, central,
and Northern Montana forecasted to receive from half an inch up to
three inches over the weekend.
However, conditions across much the state remain dry and some producers
are selling cattle as they don't have enough feed or grass.
Pairs and replacement heifers have been the first victims of the drought
as ranchers have started marketing these offerings over the last few
weeks.
New crop contracts have been slow but many ranchers have pushed to ensure
they have hay for winter needs.
This has pushed hay sharply higher for fall delivery.
Demand for buyers looking for high quality horse hay is very good as
supplies are extremely light, especially in central Montana.
Some hay traders are buying fall hay contracts in surrounding state to
ensure supplies are covered for their customers.
Many worry they will not have enough hay to sustain their current customers.
Much of this hay is being delivered into Montana for 245.00-265.00 depending
on freight.
Producers in Northeastern Montana report large swaths of winter kill
due the January ice storm.
There is a major concern over how much hay will be produced this summer.
Many irrigation districts have already announced they will have a very
short irrigation season due to low river and stream flows.
This, coupled with drought conditions and heavy winter kill will limit
the volume of hay produced.
According to the drought monitor 76.00% of the state is in Moderate drought
or worse, up 16.42% from 2 weeks ago.
40.83% of the state is in an Severe drought or worse, up 8.19% from 2
weeks ago.
10.36% of the state is in Extreme drought or worse, up 4.28% from 2 weeks ago.
0% of the state is in Expectational drought, unchanged from 2 weeks ago.
Notably, 87.28% of the state is abnormally dry, up 0.06% from 2 weeks ago.
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N/A
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Hay Conventional
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Alfalfa Per Ton
Qty Price Range Wtd Freight/ Description Crop Age
Avg Use
--- ----------- --- ---------- ----------- --------
Large Round 300 300.0 300 F.O.B. New Crop
Alfalfa Fair Per Ton
Qty Price Range Wtd Freight/ Description Crop Age
Avg Use
--- ----------- --- ---------- ----------- --------
Large Round 200 195.0 195 F.O.B.
Large Square 3x4 250 220.0 220 F.O.B. Covered Old Crop
Alfalfa Good/Premium Per Bale
Qty Price Range Wtd Freight/ Description Crop Age
Avg Use
--- ----------- --- ---------- ----------- --------
Large Round 11 300.0 300 F.O.B.- Covered
Stables
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