Kansas Hay Prices Rose Amid Drought Conditions
Reduced forage supplies have driven up costs for grinding hay varieties across the state.
Updated on Sept. 24, 2026 in Agriculture
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Grinding hay prices in Kansas increased by $5 to $10 as declining inventory levels force producers to turn to alternative forage. Persistently dry conditions have led many farmers to bale failed corn, soybean, and sorghum acres to meet feed demands.
Why it matters
Rising costs for essential feed reflect the ongoing agricultural strain caused by drought in Kansas. With forage supplies tightening, the shift toward using failed crops as feed highlights the significant adjustments producers are making to maintain livestock inventories.
Grinding hay prices saw an increase of $5 to $10 this period, with southwest grinding alfalfa reaching $240 to $250 per ton. Reported volumes included 6,225 tons of southwest grinding alfalfa and 7,557 tons in the south-central region.
The players
USDA Market News Service
This federal agency collects and disseminates essential market data to provide transparency for the agricultural industry.
Kansas Department of Agriculture
This state agency oversees agricultural regulation, policy development, and the enforcement of food and feed safety standards.
The details
Market prices are determined by monitored buyer and seller activity, with dairy alfalfa currently ranging from $1.10 to $1.30 per point of Relative Feed Value. The Kansas Department of Agriculture has advised producers to remain cautious of pesticide label requirements when utilizing alternative feed sources.
Timeline
September 13-19, 2026: Sales volume reporting period.
September 19, 2026: USDA Market News Service issued the report.
Market Landscape
This price trend follows the pattern set by the USDA's national drought monitor impact assessments, confirming how severe weather directly disrupts local agricultural supply chains. The current shift toward alternative feed crops reflects a wider adaptation strategy in regions facing long-term forage depletion.
Livestock producers should prepare for continued volatility in feed costs as inventories remain constrained. Buyers are advised to verify pesticide labeling on all alternative forage crops, such as failed corn or soy, before introducing them into livestock rations.
The takeaway
Producers operating in drought-stricken areas should prioritize inventory management and strictly follow feed safety guidelines when repurposing failed crops. Maintaining a diversified feed supply is critical for mitigating the financial impact of regional forage shortages.
Further reading
For more on market trends and updates, visit the Agriculture section.
More information
View the most recent data on the USDA hay market reports.
Source note: This article includes information reported by High Plains Journal.
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