LUBBOCK, TX – Hay prices are moving higher as drought and winter feed concerns increase pressure on livestock producers trying to secure forage supplies.
Aiden Johnson, founder of HayWire Ag, says the company’s national hay index reached $170 per ton this week across all grades of hay and alfalfa, up 4.7% from the previous week. Confirmed sales ranged from $55 to $435 per ton.
Johnson says drought remains a major driver of regional differences, especially where pasture conditions are poor and livestock producers may need to buy more supplemental feed heading into winter.
HayWire aggregates confirmed sales from USDA reports and other market information to compare price movement across roughly 20 markets. Johnson says the index is meant to show direction rather than establish a single value for every producer.
Winter demand, regional forage availability and drought conditions will determine whether prices continue strengthening, particularly in areas where pasture recovery remains limited.
Farm-Level Takeaway: Higher hay prices and drought-driven feed needs could raise winter costs for livestock producers.