Upper Midwest Hay Market Report for Late April

By Blake Jackson

The Upper Midwest Hay Market Report for April 28, 2026, was released. For alfalfa hay, prime quality hay rated above 151 RFV or RFQ showed higher prices, especially in small square bales, where average prices were reported at $334/ton. Large square and large round bales of prime alfalfa showed lower average prices compared to small squares, with $136/ton each. Grade 1 alfalfa hay showed moderate pricing across bale types, of $140/ton for small square, $120/ton for large square, and $106/ton for large round bales. Grade 2 alfalfa hay sold at lower values of $75/ton for a large square and $104/ton for a round large bale, reflecting reduced quality.

Grass hay prices followed a similar pattern. Prime grass hay commanded stronger prices, particularly in small square bales $200/ton. Large square and large round bales showed moderate pricing levels. Grade 1 and Grade 2 grass hay prices declined as quality decreased, with large round bales showing the most consistent reporting.

The Upper Midwest Hay Market Report provides farmers and livestock producers with a snapshot of current hay prices across Wisconsin and surrounding Midwest states. The report focuses on both alfalfa hay and grass hay, including alfalfa grass mixtures, and reflects quality tested sales from public and private markets.

All data for this report were compiled by Melissa Ohlrich, Crops and Soils Educator for Clark and Marathon Counties with the UW Madison Division of Extension. Prices are collected from quality tested hay sales and are published during the first and third weeks of each month. All values are reported on an as fed basis rather than on a dry matter basis.

The report organizes hay prices by grade, bale type, and price per ton. Hay grades are based on Relative Feed Value or Relative Feed Quality, which helps describe forage nutritional quality. Higher values indicate better feed quality, especially important for dairy and livestock performance.

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