IDAHO
Confirmed volume drops; demand remains moderate
The latest report shows fewer confirmed transactions, continued buyer selectivity, lingering straw inventory, and significant drought exposure in major hay-producing areas.
What changed
USDA reported 3,984 confirmed hay tons, down from 22,730 tons in the prior report. Bale volume held at 1,512 hay bales, while reported straw volume fell to 400 bales from 1,900. These figures represent confirmed trades only, not bids, offers, or total production.
Demand and inventory
Demand for all types of hay was described as moderate. Straw demand is beginning to improve, but buyers are shopping around and some 2025 straw remains available after a light winter. That combination suggests price discovery remains selective rather than broadly aggressive.
Reported transactions
- Eastern Idaho: Premium conventional large-square alfalfa at $230 per ton FOB; Supreme organic alfalfa at $360 FOB.
- Southern Idaho: Good conventional large-square alfalfa at $225 per ton FOB.
- Southeastern Idaho: Premium alfalfa at $275 per ton FOB to farm/ranch buyers; bundled Supreme small squares at $12 per bale FOB to stables.
- Western Idaho: Premium third-cutting alfalfa at $250 per ton delivered to a dairy.
Each transaction has its own grade, package, destination, and freight terms. None should be treated as a statewide quote.
Drought signal
The report states that most major Idaho hay-producing areas are under extreme to exceptional drought. Statewide, 73% was in moderate drought or worse, 56% in severe drought or worse, 36% in extreme drought or worse, and 8% in exceptional drought.
GB Hay interpretation
The fall in confirmed volume may be a temporary reporting lull, tighter available trade, or a combination of both. Farms should avoid reading the volume change as a price forecast. Keep quality and freight terms explicit, monitor whether drought tightens later availability, and compare real bids against per-ton production and delivery costs.
Source: USDA Idaho Direct Hay Report, September 15, 2026. GB Hay commentary is AI-assisted. Confirm grade, bale weight, terms, freight, and live bids before transacting.