Decent Grass Hay Movement

For the week ending May 14, temperatures averaged four to six degrees above normal, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service. Rainfall accumulations of an inch were common in Panhandle, southcentral, and southwestern counties, but limited to half an inch or less for the rest of the State. Dry, warm weather allowed farmers to make progress in corn and soybean planting. There were 5.1 days suitable for fieldwork.  Pasture and range conditions rated 0 percent very poor, 3 poor, 29 fair,  59 good, and 9 excellent.

Several more producers got started on first cutting alfalfa last week and over the weekend.  I received the first new crop inventory listings on nebraska-alfafla.com and the relative feed value and proteins were strong.

Grass hay movement has been good as cattle are moved to pasture and being supplemented to get started.  Pricing for old crop alfalfa in large rounds ranges from $65 – 82.50; large and medium squares of dairy hay have been moving at $140-185; grass in large $70-75.  These prices are all priced per ton at the stack and are actual sales reported by members of the Independent Forage Growers.

Producers are slow to commit to new crop prices however there have been several calls received on the 800# from customers looking around and sizing up the market.

Today the Board of Directors will be holding their monthly teleconference to discuss Association business.

And 1st Cutting Begins

For the week ending May 7, temperatures averaged one to two degrees below normal, according to the USDA’s National Agricultural Statistics Service.  Rainfall was limited to half an inch or less across most of the State. Dry weather allowed planting and other field activities to continue at week’s end.  Producers started to move cows and calves to pastures. There were 3.3 days suitable for fieldwork. Topsoil moisture supplies rated 3 percent very short, 8 short, 81 adequate, and 8 surplus. Subsoil moisture supplies rated 6 percent very short, 12 short, 76 adequate, and 6 surplus.  Pasture and range conditions rated 0 percent very poor, 1 poor, 19 fair, 72 good, and 8 excellent.

Producers have begun green chopping and cutting alfalfa.  Some producers have had their alfalfa nipped by frost, others have been hailed out and snowed on and others have been dry and slow to green up.  Pretty much any condition to battle has happened for the beginning of this haying season.  Perhaps if we fight with first cutting, the rest of the season can get back to normal!

The purpose of the Independent Forage Growers is to assist Members in producing, promoting and marketing of forages.  Forums are provided for the exchanging of information on production and marketing methods among members and from outside sources.  The Association takes an active role in promoting forages, including exhibiting at shows attended by potential customers, advertising and referral of potential customers to Members.  In all of its marketing activities, the Association seeks to create and reinforce a favorable brand image of forages.

Another important roll the Independent Forage Growers has is as an active member of the National Alfalfa & Forage Alliance or NAFA. To view the May 8, 2017, version of NAFA News, please click the following link: http://alfalfa.org/newsletter/170508nafanews.htm.