TO_LS150 Torrington, WY Thu May 2, 2013 USDA-WY Dept Ag Market News Wyoming, Western Nebraska and Southwestern South Dakota 2013 Annual Grazing Fee Report as of May 1, 2013 Summer grass lease prices are generally higher for the 2013 grazing season mainly due to overall lack of availability. The largest increase is noted in the Nebraska Panhandle and southwestern South Dakota where the higher prices are noted in the eastern areas of those regions. Wide price ranges were reported in all areas. Demand for summer grass is very good and the limited supplies are being held in strong hands with most contracts limiting AUMs (animal unit month), length of grazing days, and sometimes both in an effort to conserve supplies. This area is still in the stronghold of an extreme drought and producers are being cautious in terms of moisture. Last summer resulted in a short grazing season due to the drought coupled with widespread wildfires. However, after an extremely dry winter, April brought several welcome wet spring snow storms producing smiles and optimistic attitudes. This much needed moisture is enough to get early grass started when temperatures warm up. A few producers have turned out cattle but most are waiting since the grass has not had a chance to grow. Some are also waiting to see if the limited runoff will fill stock ponds. More moisture is desperately needed to sustain this grazing season. Since pastures continued to show little growth, producers are being forced to continue drawing on short forage and hay supplies. Range and pasture conditions in Wyoming are at 13 percent good or better compared to 50 percent at this time last year. In South Dakota pastures and rangeland is 10 percent good to excellent compared to 58 percent last year. No pasture condition data available for Nebraska. Topsoil moisture in Wyoming is at 70 percent adequate (55 percent in 2012), 55 percent adequate in Nebraska (67 percent 2012), and 68 percent adequate in South Dakota (70 percent 2012). Stock water supplies in South Dakota are 51 percent adequate. Lack of runoff is a concern and more moisture will be needed to fill stock ponds and reservoirs. The snowpack in Wyoming is reported at 98 percent compared to 53 percent last year. Percentages are from 64 to 100 percent of normal with a statewide average at 87 percent, compared to 67 percent last year. South central Wyoming, which provides most of the irrigation water for eastern Wyoming and western Nebraska, is at 91 percent, compared to 76 percent a year ago. Hay supplies are extremely limited in all areas with most supplies sold out. Prices quoted for cow/calf pairs are per unit/per month, and for yearlings per head/per month. Yearling price that are quoted on a per lb. gain are for the season. This is the final report for the 2013 grazing season. --Cow/Calf Pairs-- --2013-- --2012-- Eastern and 20.00-42.00, 18.00-35.00, Central Wyoming mostly 25.00-35.00 mostly 25.00-30.00 Western Wyoming 19.00-25.00 16.00-26.00, instances 30.00 mostly 18.00-22.00 Western Nebraska 35.00-45.00, 25.00-35.00, instances 50.00-60.00 instances 40.00-60.00 S.W. South Dakota 25.00-45.00, 22.00-35.00, mostly 25.00-30.00, mostly 25.00-33.00, instances 50.00-60.00 instances 40.00 --Yearlings-- --2013-- --2012-- Eastern and 15.00-25.00, 12.00-22.00 Central Wyoming mostly 17.00-22.00 mostly 15.00-20.00 Western Wyoming 15.00-20.00 12.00-17.00 mostly 14.00-16.00 Western Nebraska 19.00-30.00 16.00-22.00 S.W. South Dakota 14.00-22.00 12.00-22.00, instances 25.00-30.00 instances 25.00-27.00, or .30 per lb. gain Note: Lease contracts vary widely even within specific areas. Generally the high end of the price range requires landlords to maintain fences, check windmills/ponds/stock water, cattle, salt/minerals, etc. While on the lower end of the price range cattle owners are responsible for these services. Sheep to cattle pasture ratios are usually 6 to 1. Source: USDA-WY Dept of Ag Market News, Torrington, WY Kaye Orton, Market Reporting Assistant 307-532-4146 24 Hour Market News Recording 307-532-7200 Office email: torringtonwy-LPSMNLS@ams.usda.gov www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/to_ls150.txt 1100m kmo