GX_GR310 Springfield, IL Fri Feb 3, 2012 USDA-IL Dept of Ag Market News Hay Market Report as of Feb 2, 2012 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 1,800 tons. The demand for Illinois hay was light to moderate, as sales activity was slow to moderate, with prices steady to weak. Hay movement was moderate to active early in January, but slowed as the month of January came to an end. Livestock feeders, especially in Illinois, are thankful for the above normal winter temperatures, which has reduced hay consumption and demand. Also, the demand from out of state buyers has dropped slightly. On the supply side, stocks of hay in the US are the lowest since 1988. According to the USDA's report, hay stocks as of December 1, 2011 were 90.7 million tons, compared to 102.1 million tons one year ago. Stocks of hay in Illinois totaled 980,000 tons, which was down from last year's total of 1.31 million tons. Hay stocks in Oklahoma and Texas were the lowest since 1985. Hay stocks in Oklahoma and Texas were down a combined 7.45 million tons compared to last year. This fact was one reason why producers had seen an increase in the demand for Illinois hay. The demand for wheat straw was moderate to good, with moderate supplies. Demand was the best for livestock bedding and feeding needs. Northern: Northern Illinois hay trading was slow to moderate, with prices steady to weak. Demand was moderate with light to moderate offerings. Straw prices were steady, with moderate demand and moderate offerings. Premium Alfalfa 260-280, big squares 260-280; Good Alfalfa 200-240, 200-240 in big squares and 160 in big rounds; Fair Alfalfa 160-180, 165-200 in big squares, 130 in big rounds; Utility Alfalfa 80-100, 90-115 in big squares, 60-80 in big rounds. Premium Mix 260-280, 225-240 in big squares with some up to 260; Good Mix 200-240, 180-220 in big squares, 120-140 in big rounds; Fair Mix 120-160, 140-160 in big squares, 80-100 in big rounds; Utility Mix 60-80, 60- 80 in big squares, 60-80 in big rounds. Premium Grass 180-200, 180-200 in big squares; Good Grass 160-180, 160-180 in big squares and 80-100 in big rounds; Fair Grass 120-140, 120-140 in big squares, 60-90 in big rounds; Utility Grass 80, 60-80 for big squares and 50-60 in big rounds. Straw prices were 2.50-4.00 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 moderate, with prices mostly steady. Demand was moderate, with light to moderate offerings. Straw prices were steady, with moderate demand and moderate offerings. Premium Alfalfa 240-280, 240-260 in big squares; Good Alfalfa 200-240, 220-250 in big squares, 100-140 in big rounds; Fair Alfalfa 120-160, 100-130 in big rounds, 160-180 in big squares; Utility Alfalfa 60-80, 100-120 in big squares, and 60-90 in big rounds. Premium Mix 240-260, 225-245 in big squares; Good Mix 200-240, 180-225 in big squares, 100-120 in big rounds; Fair Mix 120-140, 140-160 in big squares, 80-100 in big rounds; Utility Mix 60-80, 60-80 in big rounds. Premium Grass 160-200, 180-200 in big squares, 120-130 in big rounds; Good Grass 160-180, 160-180 in big squares, 100-120 in big rounds; Fair Grass 120- 140, 100-140 in big squares and 110-115 in big rounds; Utility Grass 60-80, 60- 65 in big squares, 45-50 in big rounds. Straw prices were 2.50-3.50 per bale, 130-150 per ton in small squares and 115-130 in big squares and 70-90 in big rounds. Southern: Southern Illinois producers reported hay trading was slow to moderate, with moderate demand, and prices were mostly steady. Straw prices were steady, with moderate demand and moderate offerings. Premium Alfalfa was 240-280, 240-260 in big squares; Good Alfalfa 200-240, 230-250 in big squares, 140-150 in big rounds; Fair Alfalfa 160-180, 150-180 big squares, 100-130 in big rounds; Utility Alfalfa 80-100, 80-100 in big squares and 60- 80 in big rounds. Premium Mix 240-280, 230-250 big squares; Good Mix 200-240, 180-215 in big squares, 100-130 in big rounds; Fair Mix 160-200, 160-180 in big squares, 100-120 in big rounds; Utility Mix 60-80, 70-100 in big rounds. Premium Grass 200-220, 180-200 in big squares; Good Grass 160-180, 150-180 in big squares, 130 in big rounds; Fair Grass 120-140, 100-120 in big rounds, 100-120 in big squares; Utility Grass 60-80, 50 in big rounds. Straw was 2.50-3.50 per bale; 115-135 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 .