Research Insights: The Hay Market for Horses and Livestock in the U.S.

In 2024, we conducted an extensive study on the hay market in the United States, focusing on its availability, cost, and quality across different states. This research provides vital insights for horse and livestock owners who are navigating a complex forage market, impacted by weather patterns, regional production levels, and supply chain shifts.

Key Findings: States with Abundant Hay Supply

Our research identified several states with robust hay production, primarily driven by favorable growing conditions following a challenging 2022:

• Oklahoma: One of the leading states in hay production, Oklahoma nearly doubled its hay output with a remarkable 97% increase. This surplus has created a buyer’s market, with hay prices remaining relatively low, making it a prime source for affordable hay

• Texas: As the top producer of dry hay in the U.S., Texas saw a 44% increase in production, ensuring a steady supply for livestock owners. While prices in Texas can vary by region and quality, its vast production acreage provides ample options for both horse and cattle owners
   
• South Dakota: A key producer of alfalfa hay, South Dakota boosted its output by 35%. This increase positions the state as a go-to source for high-quality forage at competitive prices

“States like Oklahoma and Texas have seen a remarkable rebound in hay production, offering a glimmer of hope for livestock and horse owners in need of affordable forage options. With production nearly doubling in Oklahoma, buyers can capitalize on lower prices, especially in a market that remains highly variable.” says Sandra Abrodd, CEO and founder of EQuiCIBUS and initiator of the study.

States Facing Hay Shortages

Several states continue to face challenges in hay production, primarily due to adverse weather conditions:

• New York: Suffering a nearly 40% decrease in hay production, New York is one of the most affected states. This drop has created a supply crunch, driving up hay prices and making it harder for livestock owners to find affordable forage

   

• Minnesota and Wisconsin: Both states experienced production drops exceeding 30%. These declines have led to limited supply and higher prices, creating difficulties for livestock owners in these regions

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“For horse and livestock owners in states like New York and Minnesota, sourcing hay will be more challenging due to significant production drops. Higher prices and reduced availability make it crucial for buyers to look outside their regions for forage.” continues Sandra.

Where to Find the Most Affordable Hay

Our study showed that the most affordable hay can be found in states with surplus production:

• Oklahoma: The abundance of hay has resulted in a buyer’s market, where prices remain low. This state is one of the most cost-effective sources of hay, especially for livestock

• Texas and South Dakota: With their strong production increases, both states offer competitively priced hay. Texas is ideal for bulk buyers, while South Dakota provides great value for alfalfa

“With significant surpluses in states like Oklahoma and Texas, buyers can expect lower prices compared to regions facing shortages. EQuiCIBUS users can take advantage of these conditions to secure high-quality forage at competitive rates.” says Sandra.

Best Quality Hay for Horses and Livestock

The quality of hay varies significantly across the U.S., and our research highlights the states where horse owners can find the best forage:

• Idaho: Known for its premium alfalfa, Idaho leads the nation in alfalfa production. The state’s consistent growing conditions and focus on high-quality hay make it an ideal source for horse owners

   

• South Dakota and Montana: These states also offer high-quality alfalfa, driven by favorable weather and strong production practices. South Dakota, in particular, continues to expand its alfalfa acreage, ensuring a reliable supply of top-tier forage
  Hay and Forage Grower

“For those seeking top-quality hay, Idaho and South Dakota continue to lead in producing premium alfalfa, a key ingredient for high-performance horses and dairy operations. Buyers should prioritize these states for the best quality forage, especially if they’re looking for forage with a bit more ‘punch’ or energy.” Sandra concludes.

Conclusion: Market Transparency is the Key to Balancing Cost and Quality

Our research confirms that hay availability in the U.S. is highly regionalized, with certain states experiencing surpluses and others facing shortages.

“Platforms like EQuiCIBUS can play a pivotal role by offering a centralized space for feed auctions, ensuring that buyers have access to affordable and high-quality forage regardless of their location,” explains Sandra.

She further emphasizes the importance of the transparency provided by these auctions, noting that the winning bids not only help buyers find competitive prices but also offer valuable insights to sellers about what buyers are willing to pay in different regions. This dynamic helps sellers better align their pricing strategies with market demands

By leveraging these market conditions, EQuiCIBUS can help stabilize prices and provide a competitive edge for its users, making it easier for them to navigate the complexities of the hay market in 2024.

For more detailed insights from our research, feel free to reach out to our team or explore our full report on the U.S. hay market.