News

U.S. Hay Production Lower in 2022

U.S. Hay Production Lower in 2022

Total U.S. hay production decreased by 6.8% year over year. Drought in the southern plains pressured grass hay production down by as much as 40%. Alfalfa production in the Southern Plains, a small portion of total hay production, decreased by 22%. 

The Great Lakes, Northern Plains, and Northwest regions are the few areas posting more hay production in 2022 than in 2021.


Grass Seed Straw Exports - Hopping!

Grass Seed Straw Exports - Hopping!

Grass seed straw exports from the Willamette Valley are hopping!

Hay Prices and Production

Hay Prices and Production

Hay prices nearly doubled from 2020 to 2022, but why? Is it exports? Exports remain a small portion of hay utilization. In 2021, just 17% of total west coast production was exported.

But before we get to exports, let's look at where we started the production season. On the first of May, hay stocks were lower year over year. Low inventory to start the season gave a tailwind to hay prices, allowing prices to rise early in the season.  


Grass and Alfalfa hay production are below the 5-year average in many states. The combination...


Hay Kings Weekly Newsletter - Mississippi River Shipping - Hay and Drought

Hay Kings Weekly Newsletter - Mississippi River Shipping - Hay and Drought

Hay Kings Podcast
Checkout the latest Hay Kings Podcast episodes:
HAY KINGS PODCAST: THINGS I WISH I KNEW STARTING A CUSTOM HAY OPERATION (S4:E10) →
HAY KINGS PODCAST: 2022 WORLD ALFALFA CONGRESS - DR. DAN PUTMAN (S4:E11) →
Low Water Mark
  • The Mississippi river is at it's 8th lowest level on record.
  • 550 miles of the lower Mississippi is under a low water advisory. 
  • Barge companies declare force majeure
  • What's going on with Shipping - Lower Mississippi River Closes 
...


Hay Kings Weekly Update - Falling Container Rates

Hay Kings Weekly Update - Falling Container Rates

  • Exchange rates continue to dampen demand for agricultural exports. The yen is the weakest it has been, relative to the dollar, since 1998.