Michigan hay prices trend lower in 2013 compared to 2012

Good, high quality dairy hay is still a premium product.

The preliminary USDA Agricultural Prices were recently released and the prices for September hay are lower nationally compared to September of last year (2012) and August of this year for alfalfa hay, other hay and all hay. These prices reflect survey results of farms in the respective states. Michigan reported a slight decrease from August and a slight increase from September of last year. The following table shows the results from the reporting North Central States.

State

 

All hay $/ton

Alfalfa hay $/ton

Grass hay $/ton

Sept. 2012

Aug. 2013

Sept. 2013

Sept. 2012

Aug. 2013

Sept. 2013

Sept. 2012

Aug. 2013

Sept. 2013

Illinois

156

163

161

165

190

175

120

140

125

Michigan

165

168

166

175

180

180

145

145

140

Minnesota

139

140

160

160

165

190

110

120

120

North Dakota

119

109

113

121

115

118

83

77

76

Ohio

191

180

163

221

195

185

142

155

140

South Dakota

204

159

128

222

166

135

151

119

105

Wisconsin

145

151

182

155

160

200

110

120

120

Average

160

153

153

174

167

169

123

125

118

The price for Michigan dairy quality hay has drifted down from the highest prices so far of the season found in spring and early summer. Small square bales are the highest price followed by large square bales and then large round Haybales. Alfalfa grass mixed hay has continued to be under alfalfa hay in price. Grass hay prices with good quality have remained steady for most producers.

In the late summer, warm, dry weather gave producers a chance to make good quality hay and producers responded to harvest excellent quality fourth cutting. According to the Michigan Hay Sellers List sponsored by Michigan State University Extension, there is an ample supply of hay available in all categories. Buyers are encouraged to not wait to secure adequate supplies of hay for winter feed in hopes of finding a better price.

For more information, contact MSU Extension educators Phil Kaatz at 810-667-0341 or kaatz@msu.edu, or Jerry Lindquist at 231-832-6139 linquis@msu.edu.

Did you find this article useful?