Demand and Sales Activity
Compared to the previous week, l arge square bale prices were up 15 % . Large round bale prices were down 4 % . Sales activity was ve ry light with holiday season .
No prices were posted for Nebraska . For Iowa , all classes and grades of hay sold for $2.00 - $5.00 higher on good demand at year end . Colder weather in near future helped create demand for hay .
In South Dakota , hay prices were steady . Demand is light to moderate with most end users bought up until after the New Year.
For Missouri , Hay movement continues to be limited due to large supplies and lack of winter snow cover. Hay demand may have decreased as farmer have decrea sed cattle numbers plus they are feeding on stockpiled forages. Although good for the cattleman, the hay business continues to be very difficult. Many hay producers have even stopped advertising as the cost of ad space is not worth it with the lack of int erest or inquires.
In Southwest Minnesota , hay prices were stronger as compared to last week with limited alfalfa hay sales , though there were alfalfa mixed loads available .
F or Illinois , demand for hay remained light to moderate with adequate availabil ity of hay. Wheat straw demand remained good especially for small square bales. For Wisconsin, hay prices were $10.00 higher for premium and good hay, but $10.00 lower on poorer quality hay at an auction in Fennimore .
Straw pric es in the Midwest avera ged $ 3. 55 per s mall square bale (range of $ 2 .50 to $ 5.00 ); $ 48 . 00 per large square bale (range of $ 35 .00 to $ 6 5 .00 ) ; and $ 41 .00 per large round bale (range of $ 25 .00 to $ 5 5 .0 0 ). Compared to the previous week, straw pric e s for small square bales increased 13% . For la rge sq uare bales, prices were 1 % higher . For large round bales, prices were 6 % less . Wheat straw demand picked up over the holiday. Remember there were limited auctions with the holidays
Source:uwex.edu
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