USDA Central Oregon Hay 04/23 19:00

AMS_3057
 
Oregon Direct Hay Report

                               Released on April 23, 2026
 
Direct Hay Weighted Average Report for week ending 04/24/2026
 
                                      VOLUME
                    This Week         Last Reported         Last Year
                                       (04/06/2026)
Bales:
      Hay                               1488                1636                
----------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total                             1488                1636                
Tons:
      Hay           938                 3125                312                 
----------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total         938                 3125                312                 
======================================================================

Compared to the last report, demand was moderate to good this trading 
session on light to moderate supplies.
Producers report that calls have been slower the past two weeks.
Drought conditions remain a concern for both producers and ranchers.
Producers report water districts might limit water as drought conditions 
worsen, which could keep them from irrigating later in the summer.
While some producers have access to well water many hope spring rains 
will help keep irrigation districts open later in the season to help 
keep production costs in check.
Some producers are starting to sell out of hay but many report hay has 
been hard to move over the last few weeks.
High fuel costs have been a big contributing factor.
Many producers report that hay that sold weeks ago still hasn't moved 
as ranchers grapple with higher delivery costs, especially hay shipping 
south into Northern California.
Cooler weather was seen over the last few weeks and some higher elevation 
producers report that alfalfa fields are off to a slow start.
Some locations saw temperatures as low as the single digits and teens.
According to the U.S.
Drought Monitor, 70.76% of the state is in a moderate drought or worse, 
29.81% of the state is in a Severe drought or worse, 0.20% of the state 
is in an extreme drought or worse, 0% of the state is in an exceptional 
drought.
96.37% of the state is exceptionally dry.
Grass Hay guidelines
Quality Crude Protein Percent
Premium Over 
13
Good 9-13
Fair 5-9
Low Under 5

Alfalfa Quality Guidelines
Quality 
   ADF NDF *RFV/RFQ **TDN-100% **TDN-90% CP
Supreme 185 
>62 >55.9 >22
Premium 27-29 34-36 170-185 60.5-62 54.5-55.9 20-22
Good 
29-32 36-40 150-170 58-60 52.5-54.5 18-20
Fair 32-35 40-44 130-150 
56-58 50.5-52.5 16-18
Utility >35 >44