USDA Montana Hay                                   05/24 12:40
BL_GR310
Billings, MT    Fri May 24, 2013    USDA Market News

Weekly Montana Hay Report

   No trade to report this week as available supplies of old crop hay
are non-existent.  Very little real talk about contracting of new 
crop hay.  Severe drought conditions remain across the southern half
of the state while the Highline of Montana looks to be near normal
conditions.  Irrigating water is flowing but many are concerned how
long it will hold out as snowpacks are below average in many of Montanas
ranges.  Cattlemen are being forced to sell cow/calf pairs and limiting
the number of grass cattle they can turn out due to the short grass
conditions.  Light rains across parts of the state ranging from 10/100th of 
an inch to 67/100ths of an inch provided slight relief to some producers.
According to the US Drought Monitor, the lower 2/3rds of the state is in 
moderate to exceptional drought conditions. All prices are dollars per ton 
and FOB unless otherwise noted.
  
   Alfalfa:  No reported sales.

   Grass:  No reported sales.

   Straw:  No reported sales.
      
   Alfalfa guidelines (domestic livestock use and not more than 10 pct grass)
Quality     ADF     NDF      RFV    TDN-100pct   TDN-90pct     CP-100pct
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 Wis/Minn formula.  TDN calculated using the 
western formula.  Quantitative factors are approximate and many factors can 
affect feeding value.  Values based on 100pct dry matter.

Quantitative factors are approximate, and many factors can affect feeding 
value.  Values based on 100% 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 Market News Service, Billings, MT
         Erika Sorenson, Market News Reporter
         605-372-8350
         www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/BL_GR310.txt
         www.ams.usda.gov/lsmarketnews

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