Low (per bale)
$7.00
Colorado Hay Prices
Colorado hay prices currently range from $7.00 to $325 per bale, averaging about $64, based on the latest USDA Direct Hay report dated Jul 30, 2026. Prices are as reported by USDA Market News, published Jul 30, 2026; note the price unit (per ton or per bale) shown in each row.
High (per bale)
$325
Average
$64
Reported
Jul 30, 2026
| Hay type | Quality | Bale | Low | High | Avg | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alfalfa | - | Small Square Bundled | $11.50 | $11.50 | - | Per Bale |
| Alfalfa | - | Large Square 3x4 | $250.00 | $250.00 | - | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | - | Large Square 3x4 | $325.00 | $325.00 | - | Per Bale |
| Alfalfa | - | Small Square Bundled | $15.00 | $15.00 | - | Per Bale |
| Alfalfa | Good | Large Square 3x4 | $260.00 | $260.00 | $260.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Good/Premium | Large Square 3x4 | $300.00 | $300.00 | $300.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Good/Premium | Large Square 3x4 | $220.00 | $220.00 | - | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Premium | Small Square | $14.00 | $14.00 | $14.00 | Per Bale |
| Alfalfa | Premium | Medium Square 3x3 | $160.00 | $160.00 | $160.00 | Per Bale |
| Alfalfa | Premium | Small Square | $14.25 | $14.25 | $14.25 | Per Bale |
| Alfalfa | Premium | Large Square 3x4 | $310.00 | $310.00 | $310.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Premium/Supreme | Large Square 3x4 | $230.00 | $230.00 | - | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Premium/Supreme | Large Square 3x4 | $300.00 | $300.00 | $300.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Utility | Large Square 4x4 | $300.00 | $300.00 | - | Per Bale |
| Alfalfa/Grass Mix | - | Small Square | $10.00 | $10.00 | - | Per Bale |
| Alfalfa/Grass Mix | Premium | Large Square 3x4 | $300.00 | $300.00 | $300.00 | Per Bale |
| Alfalfa/Grass Mix | Premium | Small Square | $16.00 | $16.00 | $16.00 | Per Bale |
| Alfalfa/Grass Mix | Utility/Fair | Small Square | $8.00 | $8.00 | $8.00 | Per Bale |
| Alfalfa/Orchard Mix | - | Medium Square 3x3 | $185.00 | $185.00 | - | Per Bale |
| Alfalfa/Orchard Mix | - | Small Square Bundled | $14.50 | $14.50 | - | Per Bale |
| Alfalfa/Orchard Mix | Premium | Small Square Bundled | $15.00 | $15.00 | - | Per Bale |
| Barley | - | Large Square 3x4 | $200.00 | $200.00 | - | Per Ton |
| Barley | - | Large Square 3x4 | $225.00 | $225.00 | - | Per Ton |
| Brome Grass | - | Small Square Bundled | $10.00 | $10.00 | - | Per Bale |
| Forage Mix-Three Way | Premium | Small Square | $16.00 | $16.00 | $16.00 | Per Bale |
| Grass | Fair | Medium Square 3x3 | $300.00 | $300.00 | $300.00 | Per Ton |
| Mixed Grass | - | Small Square | $14.00 | $18.00 | - | Per Bale |
| Mixed Grass | - | Small Square | $15.00 | $15.00 | $15.00 | Per Bale |
| Mixed Grass | Good | Small Square 3 Tie | $20.00 | $20.00 | $20.00 | Per Bale |
| Mixed Grass | Premium | Medium Square 3x3 | $175.00 | $180.00 | $176.15 | Per Bale |
| Mixed Grass | Premium | Small Square | $15.00 | $15.00 | $15.00 | Per Bale |
| Oat | Fair/Good | Large Square 3x4 | $200.00 | $200.00 | $200.00 | Per Ton |
| Orchard Grass | - | Small Square 3 Tie | $20.00 | $20.00 | - | Per Bale |
| Prairie/Meadow Grass | Premium | Small Square | $11.25 | $11.25 | $11.25 | Per Bale |
| Timothy Grass | - | Large Square 3x4 | $280.00 | $280.00 | - | Per Bale |
| Timothy Grass | - | Small Square Bundled | $16.00 | $16.00 | - | Per Bale |
| Wheat | - | Small Square | $7.00 | $7.00 | - | Per Bale |
| Wheat | - | Large Square | $185.00 | $185.00 | $185.00 | Per Ton |
| Wheat | - | Large Square | $170.00 | $175.00 | $172.78 | Per Ton |
About this data
These are asking and sale prices collected by USDA Market News reporters directly from Colorado hay growers and dealers, published weekly as the AMS_2905 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_2905, published Jul 30, 2026. View the original USDA report (PDF).
Colorado hay production
Colorado produces substantial alfalfa hay as well as grass hay and alfalfa-grass mixtures. Key production areas include irrigated valleys and river basins on the Western Slope, the San Luis Valley, and parts of eastern Colorado, while dryland grass hay is also produced in suitable areas. Irrigated alfalfa commonly receives several cuttings from late spring into early fall; higher-elevation and dryland fields generally have a shorter season and fewer cuttings. Colorado is an important regional shipping source for dairy, beef, horse, and forage markets, though local water supply and weather strongly shape available tonnage.
Frequently asked questions
How much does hay cost in Colorado right now?
Colorado hay prices currently range from $7.00 to $325 per bale, averaging about $64, based on the latest USDA Direct Hay report dated Jul 30, 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 Colorado 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.
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