Low (per ton)
$185
Idaho Hay Prices
Idaho hay prices currently range from $185 to $360 per ton, averaging about $254, based on the latest USDA Direct Hay report dated Sep 15, 2026. Prices are as reported by USDA Market News, published Sep 15, 2026; note the price unit (per ton or per bale) shown in each row.
High (per ton)
$360
Average
$254
Reported
Sep 15, 2026
| Hay type | Quality | Bale | Low | High | Avg | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alfalfa | Good | Large Square 3x4 | $225.00 | $225.00 | $225.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Premium | Large Square 3x4 | $230.00 | $230.00 | $230.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Premium | Large Square 3x4 | $275.00 | $275.00 | $275.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Premium | Large Square 3x4 | $250.00 | $250.00 | $250.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Supreme | Small Square Bundled | $12.00 | $12.00 | $12.00 | Per Bale |
| Alfalfa | Supreme | Large Square 3x4 | $360.00 | $360.00 | $360.00 | Per Ton |
| Forage Mix-Three Way | Premium | Large Square 4x4 | $185.00 | $185.00 | $185.00 | Per Ton |
| Wheat | - | Large Square | $45.00 | $45.00 | $45.00 | Per Bale |
About this data
These are asking and sale prices collected by USDA Market News reporters directly from Idaho hay growers and dealers, published weekly as the AMS_3056 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_3056, published Sep 15, 2026. View the original USDA report (PDF).
Idaho hay production
Alfalfa is Idaho's leading hay crop, with grass hay and alfalfa-grass mixes also important for dairy, beef, and horse markets. Much of the commercial crop is grown under irrigation in the Snake River Plain, particularly the Magic Valley, Treasure Valley, and eastern Idaho, while mountain valleys also produce grass and meadow hay. Irrigated alfalfa commonly provides several cuttings from late spring through early fall. Idaho is generally a hay-surplus shipping state, with hay moving to regional dairies and livestock operations and, in some years, through Pacific Northwest export channels.
Frequently asked questions
How much does hay cost in Idaho right now?
Idaho hay prices currently range from $185 to $360 per ton, averaging about $254, based on the latest USDA Direct Hay report dated Sep 15, 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 Idaho 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 Sep 18, 2026.