Kansas Hay Prices Remained Steady Amid Rainfall

Heavy rain has slowed movement for Kansas agricultural operators even as demand for alfalfa and brome remains strong.

Updated on Oct. 13, 2026 in Agriculture

Isometric editorial illustration showing round hay bales on wet, muddy ground, illustrating logistical hurdles in agricultural supply chains. — Kansas hay prices held steady through October 10 as heavy rainfall created logistical bottlenecks for regional agricultural producers and transport. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Kansas hay prices held steady through the week ending October 10 as strong demand persisted across the state. However, recent heavy rainfall has significantly slowed the movement of hay for regional producers.

Why it matters

Operators face operational bottlenecks due to wet conditions, which are complicating transport despite the market's continued strength. Warmer moisture conditions have also raised expectations for an additional cutting of alfalfa for the season.

In south central Kansas, ground and delivered alfalfa prices rose from a September 1 average of $204.06 to levels supporting 15% protein alfalfa pellets at $290-$300. Usage in that region declined 63% compared to the previous month.

The details

Rainfall across Kansas is creating logistical hurdles for hay movement, forcing producers to navigate slower supply chain timelines. Simultaneously, regional feedlots remain active buyers, with daily hay usage reaching 439 tons in the southwest and 51 tons in the south central region. Projections for an extra cutting of alfalfa are currently being fueled by warmer temperatures and lingering soil moisture.

September 1, 2026: Feedlot average alfalfa prices were calculated.
September 27 - October 3, 2026: North central and northeast hay market reporting period.
October 4 - October 10, 2026: Statewide hay market reporting period.

Market Landscape

The USDA hay market reports serve as the standard benchmark for tracking regional price volatility and supply movement in Kansas agriculture. This data follows the established reporting cycle that producers use to calibrate their seasonal inventory strategy.

Agricultural operators should account for delayed transport timelines and factor current local pricing into their near-term forage procurement strategies. The potential for an additional alfalfa cutting provides a narrow window to increase supply before the season concludes.

The takeaway

Current weather-driven logistics bottlenecks are offsetting high demand, keeping market prices steady. Monitor daily usage metrics for your specific region to determine if current inventory levels will suffice ahead of the potential late-season cutting.