USDA Montana Hay                                   09/04 12:55
AMS_2769
 
Montana Direct Hay Report

                               Released on September 04, 2026
 
Direct Hay Weighted Average Report for week ending 09/04/2026
 
                                      VOLUME
                    This Week         Last Reported         Last Year
                                       (08/17/2026)
Tons:
      Hay           630                 1030                4655                
      Straw         200                                     2045                
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      Total         830                 1030                6700                
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Compared to last report(8-21-26): Hay sold generally steady.
Hay continues to see very localized pricing.
Hay continues to be delivered out of Canada and the Dakotas for mostly 
180.00-230.00 depending on freight.
Late season rains have helped improve pasture conditions in Western Montana 
and many ranchers have opted not to put up hay and graze fields 
instead as they hope for an open, warm, El Nino winter.
For producers putting up hay many think they will put up a 3rd cutting 
as late season rains have helped boost yields especially in Western 
and parts of Central Montana.
USDA freight assistance programs have helped ranchers move hay supplies 
at a reduced freight rate from surrounding states.
Some hay is moving out of the state into Wyoming as demand for hay in 
severe drought stricken areas remains very good.
Demand for hay across the state remains very good.
Limited sales were seen this week as producers are busy wrapping up with 
grain harvest, hauling livestock or cutting and putting up hay.
Many producers state they have most of their hay already spoken for but 
have yet to establish a price.
Many are not concerned with marketing hay knowing most of it is already 
spoken for.
According to the drought monitor 56.71% the state is in Moderate drought 
or worse, up 2.12% from 2 weeks ago.
17.49% of the state is in an Severe drought or worse, up 0.06% from 2 
weeks ago.
4.40% of the state is in Extreme drought or worse, unchanged from 2 weeks ago.
4.40% of the state is in Expectational drought, up unchanged from 2 weeks ago.
Notably, 92.52% of the state is abnormally dry, down 1.79% from 2 weeks ago.

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Hay Conventional
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Alfalfa  Per Ton
                        Qty   Price Range Wtd    Freight/   Description Crop Age
                                          Avg    Use
                        ---   ----------- ---    ---------- ----------- --------
 Large Square 3x4       600       250.0   250    F.O.B.                 2nd Cut 

Alfalfa Premium Per Ton
                        Qty   Price Range Wtd    Freight/   Description Crop Age
                                          Avg    Use
                        ---   ----------- ---    ---------- ----------- --------
 Cubes                  30        300.0   300    F.O.B.-    Small Lots          
                                                 Stables


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Straw Conventional
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Oat  Per Ton
                        Qty   Price Range Wtd    Freight/   Description Crop Age
                                          Avg    Use
                        ---   ----------- ---    ---------- ----------- --------
 Large Square           100       75.0    75     F.O.B.                         

Wheat  Per Ton
                        Qty   Price Range Wtd    Freight/   Description Crop Age
                                          Avg    Use
                        ---   ----------- ---    ---------- ----------- --------
 Large Square           100       75.0    75     F.O.B.