Hay producers and buyers are encouraged to market hay based on weight rather than bale size, says Texas A&M AgriLife Agronomist Calvin Trostle, Lubbock, in his recent Texas Row Crops Newsletter. 

"Bales even of similar size, especially round bales, can vary by 20% in weight," Trostle says. "Hay transactions based on weight are better. The buyer and seller better understand what is being marketed. No guesswork, which is not always reliable. "

To stay up-to-date on hay prices, the USDA publishes a Direct Hay Report. "This is useful for hay growers and buyers for a snapshot of current prices," Trostle says. The reports are broken down by state including, Texas, Oklahoma and New Mexico.

The Texas report is published every two weeks with the most current report published Friday, March 4. The report is divided into four regions -- Panhandle, Central, South and West -- and includes current market prices for alfalfa (including different grades of supreme/premium/good), bermudagrass, sorghum (meaning sorghum/sudan, not grain sorghum stalks), milo, millet and wheat hay. 

The Oklahoma report is published every three weeks, with the most current issue published March 4 as well. Oklahoma's report is split into five areas: Central, East, North Central, Northeast and Northwest. The report includes market prices in hay categories similar to Texas but also covers prairie/meadow grass, oat, rye grass, grass and mixed grasses.

(Photos by Shelley E. Huguley)

The New Mexico report is not published as frequently, with the last report uploaded Nov. 5, 2021. According to the website, reporting for the state will resume in late April. New Mexico's data is divided into six regions -- Central, East, North Central, South, Southeast and Southwest-- and lists alfalfa, alfalfa/grass mix, alfalfa/fescue mix, barley, grass, oat, sudan and wheat hay. 

"Some prices are per ton (preferred)," Trostle says. "Others are based on bale size (large square, small square, round).  AgriLife strongly recommends the Texas hay industry — all buyers and sellers — market hay based on weight rather than bale size."  

Other Hay Buying/Selling Tips

"Like any market transaction clarity in what is bought and sold is best. This is why we recommend hay sales be based on weight rather than bale or bale size," Trostle says. "This is fair and it eliminates guesswork, which helps maintain a good relationship between buyer and seller."

Trostle listed additional considerations when buying and selling hay in Texas:

For more information, contact Trostle at 806-746-6101 or [email protected].