Hay production across Nebraska is forecast to be higher in 2026 than during the record-low production year of 2022  (Figure 1). However, forage conditions and hay supplies vary widely across the state. Evaluating feed inventory now and identifying potential shortages for this  winter, and next spring can save producers money and worry. Feed costs make up the largest portion of a producer’s costs making advance planning an important risk management tool. While this article will focus on hay, alternative feed resources such as corn residue, cover crops, and byproducts should also be considered when evaluating winter feed supplies and potential feed gaps. 

Current Prices & Finding Hay to Buy

The Nebraska Direct Hay Report shows an active hay trade as of late summer 2026, with demand remaining steady. Checking the USDA Market News Hay Reports for Nebraska and other locations can provide a rough idea of what hay is bringing in your area.

Always check local sources as print, online, market boards, and social media listings can uncover available hay earlier than broad-market reports. Supplement your search with the free buyer and seller listings at the Nebraska Department of Agriculture Hay & Forage Hotline.

Tips for Pricing & Bale Quality Assessment

1. $/bale or $/ton: Know whether the hay you are pricing is per bale or per ton. If the price is by bale, account for varying bale weights.
2. Match hay quality to livestock needs: Consider protein, energy, stage of production, and body condition. The class of animals (heifers vs. cows, dry vs. lactating, thin vs. fat condition, etc.) that will consume the hay will determine the quality of hay needed to be purchased. If possible, buy hay that will best match those requirements. However, quality of hay can be supplemented with additional protein and energy sources to meet those requirements if higher quality hay is hard to source.
3. Physical bale quality: Look for dense, well-formed bales with square shoulders that don’t sag. Net wrap will help bales shed water. Bales should be free of mold, weed seeds, and dangerous levels of nitrates (depending on forage species).
4. Test for quality: Use a lab analysis to determine hay quality. Core sample 15-20 bales from each lot and send the samples to a lab for testing. These tests calculate moisture content, crude protein (CP), total digestible nutrients (TDN), and additional information including mineral content and nitrate levels. More information can be found at in the Nebraska Extension publication, Sampling Feeds for Analyses.

Storing and feeding hay

• Place bale yards on well-drained, open ground, with rows oriented north–south and spaced at least 3 ft apart to enhance drying.
• Weigh bales when possible—this improves accuracy in feeding plans.
• If hay may contain weed seeds or invasive species, consider feeding it in a confined area initially to contain potential spread risk.

Estimating Your Herd’s Hay Needs

Knowing how much hay to buy starts with estimating how much your herd will actually consume. A mature cow will eat about 2.6% of her mature weight in dry matter a day. A 1,300-lb cow will consume about 34 lb/day. 

To estimate total hay needs:

1. Determine average daily intake per cow.
2. Multiply by herd size.
3. Multiply by the number of feeding days.
4. Adjust for hay feeding losses and severe winter weather.

If unsure of mature cow size and don’t have access to a scale, keep track of weights from any sale of cull cows to have a starting point. 

By combining these calculations with forage tests, producers can line up both the right amount and the right quality of hay to carry their herd through winter. Knowing your feed position early provides more options before winter feeding begins.

Article by T.L. Meyer and Randy Saner, Nebraska Extension Livestock Educators.