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.