USDA Montana Hay 07/25 10:25

AMS_2769
 
Montana Direct Hay Report

                               Released on July 25, 2025
 
Direct Hay Weighted Average Report for week ending 07/25/2025
 
                                      VOLUME
                    This Week         Last Reported         Last Year
                                       (07/07/2025)
Tons:
      Hay           2685                3625                5300                
----------------------------------------------------------------------
      Total         2685                3625                5300                
======================================================================

Compared to last report(7-11-25): Hay sold mostly 10.00-20.00 higher 
on good to very good demand.
The strongest demand continues to be seen from Northern Montana, as drought 
conditions coupled with limited irrigation water have greatly increased 
the demand for hay in the region.
Most of the hay sold was purchased delivered for 200.00-250.00.
New crop prices continue to establish themselves and some variation in 
price continues to be seen.
Rare July rains have fallen across much of South, Central and Southeastern 
portions of the state over the past 2 weeks allowing for summer 
pastures to green in some locations and sustain themselves in others.
Drought conditions have expanded over the western portion of the state 
with several counties in or west of the Rockies showing drought expansion.
Cattle herd expansion is on the minds of many ranchers and many are purchasing 
hay and grain hay ahead of winter as they try to fine enough 
feed to sustain extra mouths.
Producers in Southern and Eastern Montana are in the middle of 2nd cutting.
Central Montana is wrapping up first.
Market activity was mostly moderate to active this secession.
According to the drought monitor 65.65% of the state is in Moderate drought 
or worse, up 3.17% from 2 weeks ago.
34.27% of the state is in an Severe drought or worse, up 1.40% from 2 
weeks ago.
10.23% of he state is in Extreme drought or worse, up 0.74% from 2 weeks ago.
0%  of the state is in Expectational drought, unchanged from 2 weeks ago.
Notably, 77.61% of the state is abnormally dry, up 2.46% from 2 weeks ago.

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                                   N/A
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Hay Conventional
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Alfalfa Fair Per Ton
                        Qty   Price Range Wtd    Freight/   Description Crop Age
                                          Avg    Use
                        ---   ----------- ---    ---------- ----------- --------
 Large Round            185       150.0   150    F.O.B.                         
 Large Square 3x4       400       150.0   150    F.O.B.                         

Alfalfa Good Per Ton
                        Qty   Price Range Wtd    Freight/   Description Crop Age
                                          Avg    Use
                        ---   ----------- ---    ---------- ----------- --------
 Large Round            1400  160.0-190.0 178.21 F.O.B.                         
 Large Square 3x4       700   160.0-175.0 168.57 F.O.B.

[0600059A]