Low (per bale)
$5.50
Kentucky Hay Prices
Kentucky hay prices currently range from $5.50 to $60 per bale, averaging about $13.25, based on the latest USDA Direct Hay report dated Jul 7, 2026. Prices are as reported by USDA Market News, published Jul 7, 2026; note the price unit (per ton or per bale) shown in each row.
High (per bale)
$60
Average
$13.25
Reported
Jul 7, 2026
| Hay type | Quality | Bale | Low | High | Avg | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alfalfa | - | Small Square | $9.00 | $10.00 | $9.29 | Per Bale |
| Alfalfa | Good | Small Square | $10.00 | $10.00 | $10.00 | Per Bale |
| Alfalfa/Orchard Mix | - | Small Square | $9.00 | $9.00 | $9.00 | Per Bale |
| Alfalfa/Orchard Mix | Good | Small Square | $13.00 | $13.00 | $13.00 | Per Bale |
| Alfalfa/Orchard Mix | Premium | Small Square | $10.00 | $10.00 | $10.00 | Per Bale |
| Grass | - | Medium Round | $60.00 | $60.00 | $60.00 | Per Bale |
| Grass | - | Small Square | $5.50 | $5.50 | $5.50 | Per Bale |
| Grass | Good | Small Square | $7.85 | $7.85 | $7.85 | Per Bale |
| Orchard Grass | - | Small Square | $6.00 | $8.00 | $6.29 | Per Bale |
| Orchard/Timothy Grass | - | Small Square | $8.00 | $8.00 | $8.00 | Per Bale |
| Timothy Grass | - | Small Square | $6.00 | $8.00 | $6.80 | Per Bale |
About this data
These are asking and sale prices collected by USDA Market News reporters directly from Kentucky hay growers and dealers, published weekly as the AMS_3905 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_3905, published Jul 7, 2026. View the original USDA report (PDF).
Kentucky hay production
Kentucky's hay crop is dominated by cool-season grass hay, especially tall fescue and orchardgrass, while alfalfa and grass-legume mixtures serve dairy, beef, equine, and other livestock operations. Production is widespread across the state, particularly in the Bluegrass, Pennyroyal, and rolling livestock regions. Hay is primarily dryland, with weather and curing conditions strongly influencing annual supplies; grass hay commonly receives two to four cuttings from late spring through fall. Most hay is used within Kentucky or traded regionally, and the state is not a major export-oriented hay shipping area.
Frequently asked questions
How much does hay cost in Kentucky right now?
Kentucky hay prices currently range from $5.50 to $60 per bale, averaging about $13.25, based on the latest USDA Direct Hay report dated Jul 7, 2026. The table above breaks this down by type, quality, and bale size. Alfalfa/Orchard Mix is among the most commonly reported types this week.
How often are these prices updated?
USDA publishes the Kentucky 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
Iowa
Kansas
Missouri
Montana
Nebraska
New Mexico
Oklahoma
Oregon
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Washington-Oregon (Columbia Basin)
Wyoming