Kansas Hay Supply Tightens as Fuel Costs Rise
Kansas hay movement slowed in the week ending November 1, 2026, as weather and elevated fuel costs pressured transportation.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Agriculture
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Kansas hay supply remained tight in the week ending November 1, 2026, with movement slowing due to weather conditions. Elevated fuel costs made transporting hay increasingly expensive across the state.
Why it matters
Higher transportation costs and slower hay movement affect the price and availability of feed for Kansas livestock and dairy operations. Fifth- and sixth-cutting alfalfa was put up before testing, with initial reports indicating very good quality.
Southwest Kansas grinding alfalfa totaled 7,704 tons bought or sold, while South central Kansas recorded 7,400 tons, per the USDA-Kansas report. Northwest premium medium square alfalfa sold for $300-$310 delivered, though final testing results for the new cutting remain pending.
The players
USDA Agricultural Marketing Service
The USDA Agricultural Marketing Service publishes the national hay market news reports used to track prices and volumes across U.S. regions.
Kansas Department of Agriculture
The Kansas Department of Agriculture is the state agency that co-issues the weekly hay market report tracking regional pricing and movement in Kansas.
The details
Fifth- and sixth-cutting alfalfa was baled before testing, and early indications point to very good quality. Southeast Kansas recorded 2,130 tons in hay sales for the October 18-24 period, with 1,680 tons of grass hay bought or sold.
Timeline
Oct. 18-24, 2026: Southeast Kansas hay sales totaled 2,130 tons.
Oct. 25-Nov. 1, 2026: Statewide hay sales were reported across all Kansas regions.
Nov. 1, 2026: The Kansas Department of Agriculture-USDA market report was issued.
Market Landscape
Kansas hay pricing is tracked weekly through USDA Agricultural Marketing Service reports that compare regional prices and volumes across the country. The fall reporting period shows how regional supply and transport costs shape feed availability for the state's livestock and dairy producers.
Higher fuel costs raise the price of moving hay, which can increase feed expenses for Kansas ranchers and dairy farmers. Producers buying hay this fall face tighter supply and should compare regional delivered prices before purchasing.
The takeaway
Buyers planning fall or winter hay purchases should factor in higher transportation costs and check regional delivered prices before committing. Monitoring weekly USDA reports can help time purchases as supply conditions change.
Further reading
Explore more in Kansas Agriculture.
More information
Review current regional pricing in the USDA market news hay reports.
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