OREGON
Confirmed volume rises while movement stays constrained
Good demand supported reported trades, but freight, buyer inventory, and weather damage continued to separate clean hay from affected lots.
What changed
USDA reported 4,995 confirmed hay tons, up from 1,195 in the prior report. Reported hay bale volume rose to 6,144 from 1,024. These figures represent confirmed trades only, not bids, offers, total production, or a statewide price index.
Demand, movement, and quality
USDA described demand as good across all hay qualities. Even so, the report said movement decreased statewide because of fuel prices and buyers being stocked for the time being. It also noted that substantial third-crop hay was rained on in the windrow and bale.
Reported transactions
- Lake County: Supreme large-square alfalfa at $255 per ton FOB to a dairy; rain-damaged Good alfalfa at $200; Premium organic alfalfa at $255 with rain damage.
- Northeast: Supreme large-square alfalfa at $245 per ton delivered for export.
- Klamath Basin: Premium orchardgrass at $17 per three-tie bale, Premium alfalfa at $14 per bale, and organic Good alfalfa at $270 per ton FOB.
- Central counties: Premium small-square alfalfa at $325–$350 per ton FOB to stables and Premium orchard/bluegrass at $330.
Each transaction has its own grade, package, destination, and freight terms. None should be treated as a statewide quote.
Drought signal
The report placed 88% of Oregon in moderate drought or worse, 58% in severe drought or worse, and 20% in extreme drought.
GB Hay interpretation
Higher confirmed volume shows more reported trading, but good demand does not automatically mean faster movement when freight is expensive and buyers are already covered. Quality documentation is especially important where third crop was exposed to rain. Sellers should price clean and affected lots separately; buyers should compare delivered cost and feed value. This is an interpretation, not a USDA forecast.
Source: USDA Oregon Direct Hay Report, October 9, 2026. GB Hay commentary is AI-assisted. Confirm grade, bale weight, terms, freight, and live bids before transacting.