Low (per bale)
$6.50
Iowa Hay Prices
Iowa hay prices currently range from $6.50 to $120 per bale, averaging about $67, based on the latest USDA Direct Hay report dated Jul 28, 2026. Prices are as reported by USDA Market News, published Jul 28, 2026; note the price unit (per ton or per bale) shown in each row.
High (per bale)
$120
Average
$67
Reported
Jul 28, 2026
| Hay type | Quality | Bale | Low | High | Avg | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alfalfa | Good | Large Round | $120.00 | $120.00 | $120.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Premium | Small Square | $200.00 | $200.00 | $200.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Supreme | Small Square | $9.00 | $9.00 | $9.00 | Per Bale |
| Alfalfa | Supreme | Medium Square 3x3 | $120.00 | $120.00 | $120.00 | Per Bale |
| Alfalfa/Grass Mix | Premium | Small Square | $260.00 | $260.00 | - | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa/Grass Mix | Premium | Medium Square 3x3 | $280.00 | $280.00 | $280.00 | Per Ton |
| Brome Grass | Premium | Small Square | $9.00 | $9.00 | - | Per Bale |
| Mixed Grass | Good | Large Round | $50.00 | $55.00 | - | Per Bale |
| Mixed Grass | Good | Small Square | $6.50 | $6.50 | - | Per Bale |
| Mixed Grass | Good/Premium | Large Round | $75.00 | $75.00 | - | Per Bale |
| Mixed Grass | Premium | Small Square | $8.00 | $9.00 | - | Per Bale |
| Mixed Grass | Premium | Small Square | $245.00 | $245.00 | - | Per Ton |
| Mixed Grass | Premium | Large Round | $75.00 | $75.00 | $75.00 | Per Bale |
| Mixed Grass | Premium | Medium Square 3x3 | $120.00 | $120.00 | $120.00 | Per Bale |
| Mixed Grass | Premium | Small Square | $9.00 | $9.00 | $9.00 | Per Bale |
| Wheat | - | Small Square | $7.00 | $7.00 | - | Per Bale |
| Wheat | - | Large Square | $135.00 | $135.00 | - | Per Ton |
| Wheat | - | Round | $113.00 | $225.00 | - | Per Ton |
About this data
These are asking and sale prices collected by USDA Market News reporters directly from Iowa hay growers and dealers, published weekly as the AMS_2807 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_2807, published Jul 28, 2026. View the original USDA report (PDF).
Iowa hay production
Iowa produces both alfalfa and grass hay, with alfalfa-grass mixtures also common for beef and dairy forage. Hay acreage is spread across the state, with notable production in the northeast and northwest livestock regions. Most hay is rain-fed, and alfalfa commonly provides three cuttings in a normal growing season, with a fourth cutting possible in favorable years. Iowa hay mainly serves in-state and nearby livestock demand, so trade is generally regional rather than export-oriented.
Frequently asked questions
How much does hay cost in Iowa right now?
Iowa hay prices currently range from $6.50 to $120 per bale, averaging about $67, based on the latest USDA Direct Hay report dated Jul 28, 2026. The table above breaks this down by type, quality, and bale size. Mixed Grass is among the most commonly reported types this week.
How often are these prices updated?
USDA publishes the Iowa 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.
Hay prices in other states
Arizona
California
Colorado
Idaho
Kansas
Kentucky
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
New Mexico
Oklahoma
Oregon
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Washington-Oregon (Columbia Basin)
Wyoming