USA higher feed prices this winter

The combination of drought impacts and high crop prices mean that beef cattle producers face significantly higher feed costs this winter. Increased feed costs have been impacting feedlots for several months and the impacts will grow as cow-calf and stocker/background producers face additional feed and supplement needs this winter. Prices are higher for both alfalfa and other hay across most of the country with the biggest increases in drought areas but impacting other regions as well. USDA reported national average alfalfa hay prices up 20.5 percent year over year in the latest Agricultural Prices report for August. The national average August price for other hay was up 13.4 percent compared to last year. Markets for hay vary around the country. Alfalfa hay is always important for the dairy industry but use of alfalfa in the beef industry depends on the region. Some states produce higher proportions of alfalfa, some more other hay and some states produce a balance of alfalfa ...