BL_GR310
Billings, MT          Fri   Jul 03, 2009          USDA Market News

Weekly Montana Hay Report
 
   Compared to last week:  Hay prices remain steady on available old crop 
offerings.  New crop hay prices not fully established, however a sharply lower 
undertone was noted on a few early sales.  Current price reflect on old crop 
offerings with last year's contracts.  Some producers are reluctant to trade at 
lower prices this early in the season.  Trade activity and demand mostly light 
for old crop available supplies; trade and demand light to moderate on new crop 
offerings.  Haying season in the Eastern and Central areas is in full swing with 
the Western areas still a couple of weeks to go.  All sales FOB the stack and 
per ton basis in large rounds or large square bales, unless otherwise stated.

   Alfalfa:  Premium to Good 120.00-125.00; Good to Fair 105.00-110.00. 

   Alfalfa/Grass mix:  Premium to Good new crop 100.00 short haul; Good to Fair 
new crop 95.00. 
 
   Grass:  Premium to Good 85.00-105.00, small squares 100.00.

   Straw: small squares 40.00.

   Alfalfa hay test guidelines, used with visual appearance and intent of 
sale.  Quantitative factors are approximate and many factors can affect 
feeding value.
 
            ADF     NDF      RFV    TDN-100%    TDN-90%     CP-100%
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.  Values based on 100% dry matter, TDN both 90% & 100%.
 
   Grass Hay guidelines
Quality    Crude Protein Percent
Premium          Over 13
Good               9-13
Fair               5- 9
Utility          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.

Source:  USDA Livestock and Grain Market News, Billings, MT
         James M. Ward, OIC   406-657-6285
         Email:  billings.lgmn@usda.gov
         24 hr price information   406-657-6400
         www.ams.usda.gov/LSMarketNewsBL_GR310.txt

0900m   jmw


.