Low (per ton)
$150
California Hay Prices
California hay prices currently range from $150 to $260 per ton, averaging about $196, based on the latest USDA Direct Hay report dated Jul 31, 2026. Prices are as reported by USDA Market News, published Jul 31, 2026; note the price unit (per ton or per bale) shown in each row.
High (per ton)
$260
Average
$196
Reported
Jul 31, 2026
| Hay type | Quality | Bale | Low | High | Avg | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alfalfa | Fair/Good | Large Square 3x4 | $190.00 | $190.00 | $190.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Fair/Good | Large Square 3x4 | $158.00 | $158.00 | $158.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Good | Large Square 3x4 | $175.00 | $175.00 | $175.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Good | Small Square 3 Tie | $12.50 | $12.50 | $12.50 | Per Bale |
| Alfalfa | Good | Large Square 3x4 | $165.00 | $165.00 | $165.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Good/Premium | Large Square 3x4 | $185.00 | $185.00 | $185.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Premium | Small Square 3 Tie | $12.50 | $13.00 | $12.75 | Per Bale |
| Alfalfa | Premium | Small Square 3 Tie | $13.00 | $14.00 | $13.36 | Per Bale |
| Alfalfa | Premium | Large Square 3x4 | $200.00 | $200.00 | $200.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Premium | Small Square 3 Tie | $230.00 | $230.00 | $230.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Premium | Small Square 3 Tie | $14.00 | $14.00 | $14.00 | Per Bale |
| Alfalfa | Premium | Small Square 3 Tie | $12.00 | $12.00 | $12.00 | Per Bale |
| Alfalfa | Premium | Small Square 3 Tie | $13.50 | $16.50 | $15.00 | Per Bale |
| Alfalfa | Premium | Small Square 3 Tie | $235.00 | $235.00 | $235.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Supreme | Large Square 3x4 | $210.00 | $210.00 | $210.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Supreme | Small Square 3 Tie | $210.00 | $210.00 | $210.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Supreme | Large Square 3x4 | $200.00 | $200.00 | $200.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa/Orchard Mix | Premium | Small Square 3 Tie | $15.00 | $15.00 | $15.00 | Per Bale |
| Fescue Grass | Premium | Small Square 3 Tie | $14.00 | $14.00 | $14.00 | Per Bale |
| Forage Mix-Three Way | Premium | Small Square 3 Tie | $13.00 | $14.50 | $13.75 | Per Bale |
| Forage Mix-Three Way | Premium | Large Square 3x4 | $200.00 | $200.00 | $200.00 | Per Ton |
| Giant Bermuda Grass | Premium | Small Square 3 Tie | $260.00 | $260.00 | $260.00 | Per Ton |
| Orchard Grass | Premium | Small Square 3 Tie | $17.00 | $18.00 | $17.50 | Per Bale |
| Orchard Grass | Premium | Small Square 3 Tie | $17.00 | $17.00 | $17.00 | Per Bale |
| Prairie/Meadow Grass | Good | Small Square 3 Tie | $12.00 | $12.00 | $12.00 | Per Bale |
| Prairie/Meadow Grass | Premium | Small Square 3 Tie | $13.00 | $13.00 | $13.00 | Per Bale |
| Timothy Grass | Good | Large Square 3x4 | $200.00 | $200.00 | $200.00 | Per Ton |
| Wheat | Good | Small Square 3 Tie | $8.50 | $8.50 | $8.50 | Per Bale |
| Wheat | Good/Premium | Large Square 3x4 | $150.00 | $150.00 | $150.00 | Per Ton |
| Wheat | Good/Premium | Large Square 3x4 | $160.00 | $160.00 | $160.00 | Per Ton |
About this data
These are asking and sale prices collected by USDA Market News reporters directly from California hay growers and dealers, published weekly as the AMS_2904 Direct Hay report. Prices reflect the reporting week and can move quickly with weather and demand. Always confirm current terms with the seller.
Source: USDA Agricultural Marketing Service, report AMS_2904, published Jul 31, 2026. View the original USDA report (PDF).
California hay production
California is a major producer of alfalfa hay, alongside grass hay, oat hay, sudangrass, and other forage crops. Production is concentrated in irrigated valleys, notably the San Joaquin Valley, Sacramento Valley, Imperial Valley, and northeastern intermountain areas. Long growing seasons and irrigation allow multiple alfalfa cuttings, with the number varying by region and elevation. California supplies its large in-state dairy and equine markets and has long been an important shipping state for containerized hay exports to Pacific Rim markets, especially from the West Coast.
Frequently asked questions
How much does hay cost in California right now?
California hay prices currently range from $150 to $260 per ton, averaging about $196, based on the latest USDA Direct Hay report dated Jul 31, 2026. The table above breaks this down by type, quality, and bale size. Alfalfa is among the most commonly reported types this week.
How often are these prices updated?
USDA publishes the California Direct Hay report weekly. This page refreshes automatically after each new report.
Why are some prices per bale and others per ton?
USDA reports hay the way it is actually traded locally. Large square and round bales are often quoted per ton, while small square bales are frequently sold per bale. The unit is shown in the last column of each row.
Page updated Aug 4, 2026.