Hay, What Are We Gonna Do?!
- Meggan Urevig
- Jul 14
- 3 min read
What a year this is...from trying to decide if we just lay the grass down for a natural fertilizer since the costs were so high in 2026, some in desperate need of hay for the upcoming winter months, others with TONS left from the previous year or two, while other parts of the country are in a second round of drought and hay season looks dismal. For something that is so embedded into our farm life normality, this year has been one roller coaster ride of...fun?!
Unfortunately, this isn't just a local concern—it's happening across much of the country.
An Interesting Year for Forage
The 2026 hay season is shaping up to be one of the most challenging in recent memory.
More than 40% of the nation's hay-producing acres are experiencing severe to exceptional drought conditions. From Montana and the Western Plains to Arkansas, Kentucky, and beyond, producers are battling a combination of record-low rainfall, shrinking water supplies OR water usage fees/regulations, and extreme temperature swings.
Many areas experienced late spring freezes followed almost immediately by scorching heat, preventing alfalfa and grasses from developing normally. In some regions, first-cut yields are reported to be 40-50% below average, leaving many farmers wondering where enough forage will come from for the months ahead.
To make matters worse, drought-stressed crops are also becoming more vulnerable to weeds and pests, including fall armyworms, adding yet another challenge to an already difficult season.
Prices Continue to Climb
The old supply and demand high market cost comes out to play when supply
drops, prices naturally rise.
Nationally, average alfalfa prices are hovering around $160 per ton, while premium horse-quality hay is expected to reach $400 per ton or more in some local markets.
Transportation is adding even more pressure. As local inventories disappear, livestock owners are purchasing hay from neighboring states or even hundreds of miles away. Higher fuel costs and freight rates mean every mile traveled adds to the final cost of each bale.
Many producers aren't waiting until fall to secure feed. In fact, winter hay is already being contracted before it's even baled, simply because no one knows what supplies will look like later this year. For some of us that have more hay this season, this could be encouraging news.
More Than Just a Hay Problem
For many livestock producers, hay isn't just another input—it's the foundation of their operation. When hay production falls short, difficult decisions often follow.
Some cattle producers across the drought-stricken West have already begun reducing herd sizes because there simply isn't enough pasture or stored forage to carry animals through the winter. Others are planting emergency forage crops like sorghum sudan grass or pearl millet in hopes of producing supplemental feed.
Water shortages are adding another layer of concern. Across portions of the Western Plains, irrigation systems are running dry, ponds are shrinking, and producers are hauling water to livestock far earlier than normal. An additional issue for some of the coast farmers is the new charges for water due to the battle over ownership of water sources. It's a reminder that hay shortages rarely happen alone—they often signal broader challenges affecting the entire agricultural community.
Looking Ahead
While no one can predict what the rest of the growing season will bring, one thing is certain: planning ahead will be more important than ever.
If you rely on hay, now is the time to evaluate your winter inventory, inspect stored forage, and communicate with your local hay suppliers before supplies tighten even further. Testing hay quality, minimizing feeding waste, and exploring alternative forage options may help stretch every bale a little farther.
Farmers have always been resilient.
We've weathered droughts, floods, market swings, and countless challenges before.
While 2026 may test that resilience once again, it also reminds us why agriculture has always been built on preparation, perseverance, and neighbors helping neighbors.
Here's hoping the forecast changes, the rains arrive in areas it's needed, other spots dry out enough to hay the forage pastures, and every farmer gets one thing they've been waiting for all season—a good soaking rain with LOTS of sunshine and breezy days to follow.
As always, we appreciate all you do to keep farming through all types of seasons and all the world throws at the AG communities. It's hard and rewarding work and we are grateful to you!
Articles that helped make this blog possible:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=394Jlw-EMII&t=39s Wild Wild West Channel
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0dNFTFn8M_o&t=23 Tailgate Talk Meadowlark Extension Channel
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