GL_GR310   
Greeley, CO    Thu May 28, 2015    USDA-CO Dept of Ag Market News

Colorado Hay Report

   Compared to last week, continued very light trade activity and buyer demand. 
Few growers in the southern part of the state have started cutting while the
northern areas are around 7 to 10 days out.  Snow pack levels again saw
significantly larger increases from the prior week.  According to the NRCS,
regional snowpack levels are being reported in Yampa and White River Basins at
91 percent, Upper Colorado River Basin at 186 percent, Laramie and North Platte
River Basins at 99 percent, South Platte River Basin at 236 percent, Arkansas
River Basin at 282 percent, Upper Rio Grande River Basin at 88 percent, Gunnison
River Basin at 196 percent, and San Miguel, Dolores, Animas, San Juan River
Basins at 181 percent.  The U.S. Drought Monitor is reporting that the areas
where long-term drought was less deeply entrenched, particularly in Wyoming,
Colorado, and parts of neighboring states, the recent and ongoing wet spell has
put a meaningful dent in the drought.  All prices reported are FOB at the stack
or barn unless otherwise noted.  Prices reflect load lots of hay.

   If you have hay for sale or need hay, use the services of the Colorado
Department of Agriculture website: www.coloradoagriculture.com. 

Northeast Colorado Areas
Alfalfa
Large Squares: Premium 185.00.
Grass
Small Squares: Premium 245.00 (7.50 per bale).
No reported quotes for all other classes of hay.

Southeast Colorado Areas
No reported quotes for all other classes of hay.

San Luis Valley Area
No reported quotes for all other classes of hay.

Southwest Colorado Areas
No reported quotes from all other classes of hay.

Mountains and Northwest Colorado Areas
No reported quotes for all other classes of hay.

Northeast: Weld, Washington, Morgan, Cheyenne, Kiowa, Lincoln, Elbert, Adams,
Sedgwick, Yuma, Larimer, Jefferson, Douglas, Kit Carson, Phillips, Logan,
Boulder, Arapahoe, and El Paso.
Southeast: Fremont, Custer, Huerfano, Las Animas, Bent, Otero, Prowers, Crowley,
and Pueblo.
San Luis Valley: Saguache, Alamosa, Costilla, Conejos, Rio Grande, and Mineral.
Southwest: Mesa, Delta, Montrose, Ouray, San Miguel, Montezuma, Dolores, San
Juan, Hinsdale, Archuleta, and La Plata.
Mountains and Northwest: Moffat, Routt, Jackson, Rio Blanco, Garfield, Gunnison,
Teller, Grand, Chaffee, Park, Clear Creek, Gilpin, Summit, Lake, and Eagle.

Contracted Hay, Haylage, and Corn Silage
Fob/   Total             Hay        Bale        RFV/DM/
Del    Price     Tons    Type       Size          NEL

    No reported contract quotes.

Contracts are not indicative to other regions of the state and do not pertain
to the cash market.  The term "Season" Means that as long as the hay meets the
contract requirements the buyer takes delivery on every cutting in that
particular year.  All contracts are marketed on a per ton basis. Prices figured
on a per ton basis or a per point basis (.xx times the RFV). 
* - When priced on a per point basis.
* - NEL basis for corn silage

   Haylage is based on 88 percent dry matter.  Haylage formula most often used
(Haylage wet ton x percent dry matter/88 percent = 12 percent baled hay). 
Haylage to be cut on an approximate 28 to 32 day cutting rotation.  Quoted
standing in the field. 

    Corn Silage 30-32 percent dry matter.  Based at .70 to .72 net energy for
lactation (NEL).  Silage can be quoted standing in the field or delivered to the
pit. ** All information is a basis for every contract and applies unless
otherwise stated**

Alfalfa guidelines (domestic livestock use and not more than 10 pct grass)
Quality       ADF      NDF       RFV       TDN-100 pct   TDN-90 pct   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 WI/MN formula.  TDN calculated using the western
formula.  Quantitative factors are approximate and many factors can affect
feeding value.  Values based on 100 percent dry matter.

 Quantitative factors are approximate, and many factors can affect feeding
value.  Values based on 100 percent dry matter.  End usage may influence hay
price or value more than testing results.

   Grass Hay guidelines
Quality       Crude Protein Percent
Premium            Over 13
Good                  9-13
Fair                   5-9
Utility            Under 5

Source:  USDA-CO Dept of Ag Market News Service, Greeley, CO
Heath Dewey 970-353-9750 Greeley.LPGMN@ams.usda.gov
www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/GL_GR310.txt
http://marketnews.usda.gov/portal/lg

0915M    hmd