GX_GR310 Springfield, IL Fri May 3, 2013 USDA-IL Dept of Ag Market News Hay Market Report as of May 2, 2013 All hay prices quoted dollars per ton FOB the farm, small square bales unless otherwise noted. Straw quoted in dollars per bale and by the ton. This report was based on the sale of 1720 tons. The demand for Illinois hay was still good, as sales activity was active, with prices mostly steady. The wet and cold Spring weather conditions have pushed the timetable for the first cutting of alfalfa hay further back than many producers have wanted. Many producers are running low or out of any hay inventory, and orders for the first cutting of hay continues to grow. For many producers, the decision how to price the 2013 hay crop was the most difficult in many seasons. Some producers, especially in central regions of the state noticed some damage from the frost and freezing temperatures experienced in mid-April. The Prospective Plantings Report, released by the National Ag Statistics Service in March, indicated hay acres would be higher in Illinois for the 2013 growing season. Acreage for all hay in Illinois was expected to increase from 580,000 acres last year to 600,000 acres for 2013. For the US, in the all hay category, acres for 2013 were forecasted at 56.41 million, compared to 56.26 million one year ago. Wheat straw demand was moderate to good for moderate supplies. The Illinois Department of Agriculture has an Illinois Hay Directory on their website. If you have hay for sale or want to list your needs as a buyer, you can do so at ww.agr.state.il.us/markets/hay. Northern: Northern Illinois hay trading was active, with prices steady. Demand was very good with light offerings. Straw prices were steady, with moderate demand and moderate offerings. Premium Alfalfa 260-300, big squares 280-360, with some up to 380, with large rounds at 290-300; Good Alfalfa 240-280, 260-320 in big squares and 210-250 in big rounds; Fair Alfalfa 180-220, 200-250 in big squares, 180-210 in big rounds; Utility Alfalfa 100-120, 100-140 in big squares, 80-120 in big rounds. Premium Mix 260-300, 320-350 in big squares; Good Mix 240-280, 280-320 in big squares, 170-200 in big rounds; Fair Mix 160-200, 200-240 in big squares, 140-160 in big rounds; Utility Mix 80-120, 100-120 in big squares, 100- 120 in big rounds. Premium Grass 200-240, 240-290 in big squares, 240-260 in large rounds; Good Grass 180-200, 200-250 in big squares and 180-220 in big rounds; Fair Grass 120-160, 160-180 in big squares, 150-160 in big rounds; Utility Grass 100-120, 120-150 for big squares and 120-150 in big rounds. Straw prices were 2.50-3.00 per bale in small squares, 130-150 per ton in small squares, with large squares 115-135, and big rounds at 70-95. Central: Central Illinois hay sales were active, with prices steady. Demand was very good, with light to moderate offerings. Straw prices were steady, with moderate demand and moderate offerings. Premium Alfalfa 240-280, 280-340 in big squares, with some up to 360; Good Alfalfa 240- 260, 260-300 in big squares, 200-250 in big rounds; Fair Alfalfa 180-220, 180-200 in big rounds, 180-220 in big squares; Utility Alfalfa 100-120, 100-140 in big squares, and 100-120 in big rounds. Premium Mix 260-300, 260-300 in big squares; Good Mix 200-240, 240-260 in big squares, 180-220 in big rounds; Fair Mix 160-200, 160-200 in big squares, 140-160 in big rounds; Utility Mix 100-120, 100-120 in big rounds. Premium Grass 240- 260, 240-280 in big squares, 200-250 in big rounds; Good Grass 200-240, 200-240 in big squares, 180-200 in big rounds; Fair Grass 120-160, 140- 160 in big squares and 120-150 in big rounds; Utility Grass 100-120, 120- 150 in big squares, 120-150 in big rounds. Straw prices were 2.50-3.50 per bale, 130-150 per ton in small squares and 115-135 in big squares and 70-90 in big rounds. Southern: Southern Illinois producers reported hay trading was active, with good demand, and prices were steady to firm. Straw prices were steady, with light to moderate demand for moderate offerings. Premium Alfalfa was 260-300, with some up to 320, 260-300 in big squares; Good Alfalfa 200-240, 240-280 in big squares, 200-220 in big rounds; Fair Alfalfa 160-200, 180-200 big squares, 140-150 in big rounds; Utility Alfalfa 100-120, 100-120 in big squares and 100-120 in big rounds. Premium Mix 260-300, 280-300 big squares; Good Mix 220-240, 240-260 in big squares, 200-220 in big rounds; Fair Mix 160-200, 160-200 in big squares, 140-160 in big rounds; Utility Mix 100-120, 100-120 in big rounds. Premium Grass 240-260, 240-260 in big squares; Good Grass 200-240, 200-240 in big squares, 180-220 in big rounds; Fair Grass 120-160, 120-150 in big rounds, 140-180 in big squares; Utility Grass 100-120, 120-150 in big rounds, with large squares 120-150. Straw was 2.50-3.00 per bale; 120-135 per ton in big squares, 70-90 in big rounds and 130-150 in small squares. ======================================================================= Table 1: Alfalfa guidelines (for domestic livestock use and not more than 10% grass) Quality ADF NDF *RFV **TDN-100% **TDN-90% CP 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, and many factors can affect feeding value. Values based on 100 % dry matter (TDN showing both 100% & 90%). Guidelines are to be used with visual appearance and intent of sale (usage). ======================================================================= Table 2: Grass Hay guidelines Quality Crude Protein Percent Premium Over 13 Good 9-13 Fair 5-9 Low Under 5 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. ======================================================================= Hay Quality Designations physical descriptions: Supreme: Very early maturity, pre bloom, soft fine stemmed, extra leafy. Factors indicative of very high nutritive content. Hay is excellent color and free of damage. Premium: Early maturity, i.e., pre-bloom in legumes and pre head in grass hays, extra leafy and fine stemmed-factors indicative of a high nutritive content. Hay is green and free of damage. Good: Early to average maturity, i.e., early to mid-bloom in legumes and early head in grass hays, leafy, fine to medium stemmed, free of damage other than slight discoloration. Fair: Late maturity, i.e., mid to late-bloom in legumes, head-in grass hays, moderate or below leaf content, and generally coarse stemmed. Hay may show light damage. Utility: Hay in very late maturity, such as mature seed pods in legumes or mature head in grass hays, coarse stemmed. This category could include hay discounted due to excessive damage and heavy weed content or mold. ======================================================================= Source: USDA-IL Dept of AG Market News Springfield, IL 217-782-4925 in state only toll free 888-458-4787 www.ams.usda.gov/mncs/mn_reports/gx_gr310.txt 1200c jm .