Weekly Montana Hay Report

BL_GR310
Billings, MT    Fri May 04, 2012    USDA Market News

Weekly Montana Hay Report

   Compared to last week:  Hay prices not well tested due to no current sales 
reported.  Prices below reflect previously reported sales.  Trade activity 
light to inactive.  Demand currently moderate at best.  Irrigation routes are 
flowing freely throughout the state.  The need to provide supplemental feed 
continues to decrease with warmer weather from last week and is much lower than 
the previous year.  Livestock are moving to summer ranges ahead of last year and 
the 5 year average. All prices are dollars per ton and FOB unless otherwise 
noted.
  
   Alfalfa Hay:  Premium to Supreme large squares 185.00-210.00, small 
squares 150.00-175.00; Good to Premium large squares 150.00-160.00, large 
rounds 95.00-110.00, small squares 125.00-150.00; Good to Fair large rounds 
75.00-95.00.

   Grass Hay:  Good to Premium large squares 135.00-145.00, large rounds 
85.00-95.00, small squares 125.00-155.00; Good to Fair large rounds 75.00-
95.00.

   Timothy Hay:  Good small squares 150.00-180.00.  

   Alfalfa guidelines (domestic livestock use and not more than 10 pct grass)
Quality     ADF     NDF      RFV    TDN-100pct   TDN-90pct     CP-100pct
Supreme     <27     <34     >185      >62         >55.9          >22
Premium    27-29   34-36   170-185   60.5-62     54.5-55.9      20-22
Good       29-32   36-40   150-170    58-60      52.5-54.5      18-20
Fair       32-35   40-44   130-150    56-58      50.5-52.5      16-18
Utility     >35     >44     <130      <56         <50.5          <16

   RFV calculated using the Wis/Minn formula.  TDN calculated using the 
western formula.  Quantitative factors are approximate ans many factors can 
affect feeding value.  Values based on 100pct dry matter.

Quantitative factors are approximate, and many factors can affect feeding 
value.  Values based on 100% dry matter.  End usage may influence hay price 
or value more than testing results.
 
   Grass Hay guidelines
Quality    Crude Protein Percent
Premium          Over 13
Good               9-13
Fair               5- 9
Utility          Under 5

Source:  USDA Market News Service, Billings, MT
         James M. Ward 406-370-6367 BillingsMTLSMN@ams.usda.gov
         www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/BL_GR310.txt
         www.ams.usda.gov/lsmarketnews

0800m   jmw

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