Hay supplies are up by double digits over the last year, and that is helping keep costs down.
Frequent Market Day Report guest Dr. Darrell Peel says hay production was up more than three percent last year, and stocks, as of May 1st, were up nearly 50 percent over 2023 levels. Despite the gains, total hay supplies fell nearly two percent over the last decade.
Peel says that for producers in many states, increased supplies will mean more flexibility in the coming months.
Related Stories
Corn and wheat exports remain a demand bright spot, while soybeans are transitioning into a more typical late-winter shipping slowdown.
Corn growers are turning to ethanol, E15 expansion, and export markets to help absorb record supplies and stabilize prices. Farm leaders discuss low-carbon ethanol demand, flex-fuel vehicle challenges, input costs, and the role of USMCA as producers look for market relief in the year ahead.
From rising trade tensions in Europe to a pending Supreme Court decision on tariffs and shifting demand from China, global trade policy spearheaded by President Donald Trump continues to shape the outlook for U.S. agriculture—adding uncertainty as farmers navigate another volatile year.
Congressional leaders signal momentum toward expanded, targeted farm aid to help producers manage losses and cash-flow stress in 2026.
Livestock strength is carrying the farm economy, while crop margins remain tight and increasingly dependent on risk management and financial discipline.
Freight volatility and route selection remain critical to soybean export margins and competitiveness.
