Hay Markets

Montana Hay Report

Hay sold generally steady. Hay movement remains slow. Colder weather has increased some interest for hay,
however many new sales are on an as need basis and very little volume is being moved. Much of the state has seen some snowfall since the last report in December with wide ranges for snowfall totals. Ranchers have been slow to use up hay as much of the fall was warm and open. Many ranchers still have large supplies of hay on hand and are showing light demand for hay as a result. Some ranchers have yet to use up 2023 hay stocks and many producers continue to sell 2023 old crop hay due to large carryover quantities, especially in central Montana. Much needed snowfall has softened drought concerns for some as much of the state has seen some much needed moisture. According to the drought monitor 54.22% of the state is in Moderate drought or worse, down 1.18% from last report (week of December 16th). 27.25% of the state is in an Severe drought or worse, down 0.33% from last report (week of December 16th). 13.79% of the state is in Extreme drought or worse, unchanged from last report (week of December 16th). 0% of the state is in Expectational drought, unchanged from last report (week of December 16th). Notably, 93.30% of the state is abnormally dry, down 1.18% from last report (week of December 16th).

Wyoming Hay Report

Movement and demand has been slow the past couple weeks all over Wyoming. According to the U.S. Drought Monitor Website most of Eastern Wyoming is under extreme dry soil moisture. Western Wyoming is moderately dry to severe dry soil moisture. According to the National Weather Service Website precipitation was a lot lower than normal for this time of year all over the state. Temperatures have been above normal for this time of year.