Hay Demand Mostly Light In Midwest

Overall hay trade in the country’s midsection was relatively sluggish last week. That’s according to the recent edition of the Weekly Hay Market Demand and Price Report for the Upper Midwest, compiled by Ken Barnett, University of Wisconsin (UW) Extension educator.

As of April 25, he notes, small square bale prices in the region were down 15% compared to prices of the previous week. Prime hay, at a relative feed value (RFV) of 151 or higher, sold in small squares for an average of $190.83/ton, with a top of $360/ton. Prices of large round bales of the same quality hay dropped by 1%, bringing an average of $171.02/ton with a maximum of $210/ton. Prime hay in large square bales increased in price by 6%, selling for $231.42/ton with a range of $150-360/ton.