From staff reports Dr. Derrell Peel, Oklahoma State University Extension livestock marketing specialist, said larger May 1 stocks and increased year-over-year hay production led to larger hay supplies last year.
Total hay production in 2024 was up 3.3% year over year, and the total hay supply increased by 7.9% compared to year-earlier levels. However, the total hay supply was 1.7% below the 10-year average supply from 2014-2023.
Total hay production includes total alfalfa hay production, almost unchanged from 2023 levels and 8.4% below the 10-year average, as well as total other hay production, up 5.5% year over year and 0.6% above the 2014-23 average.
Coming into winter 2024-25, hay stocks on Dec. 1 were up 6.3% year over year, though still down 3.2% from the 10-year average.
Hay supplies have recovered from the drought-reduced levels of 202223 and, as a result, hay prices have dropped from record levels. Oklahoma was among the top 10 state rankings for Dec. 1 stocks.
All Hay Production, Alfalfa Hay Production, and Other Hay Production highlight the considerable regional variation in hay production and stocks. Texas is the largest hay producer, mostly other hay, with production and Dec. 1 stocks well above average.
Alfalfa hay production was down compared to the 10-year average in some important dairy production states (California and Idaho) as well as in some mostly beef cow states (Montana and South Dakota) that depend on alfalfa hay.
In many states, increased hay supplies are providing more management flexibility for cattle producers and lower hay costs are reducing annual cost of production somewhat. However, among major beef cow states such as Kansas, Montana, and North Dakota, 2024 Dec. 1 hay stocks were down year over year and below the 10-year average.