Low (per ton)
$80
Montana Hay Prices
Montana hay prices currently range from $80 to $360 per ton, averaging about $223, based on the latest USDA Direct Hay report dated Sep 18, 2026. Prices are as reported by USDA Market News, published Sep 18, 2026; note the price unit (per ton or per bale) shown in each row.
High (per ton)
$360
Average
$223
Reported
Sep 18, 2026
| Hay type | Quality | Bale | Low | High | Avg | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alfalfa | Fair | Large Square 3x4 | $235.00 | $235.00 | $235.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Good/Premium | Large Round | $250.00 | $250.00 | $250.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Premium | Large Round | $280.00 | $280.00 | $280.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa/Barley Mix | Fair | Large Round | $200.00 | $200.00 | $200.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa/Grass Mix | Fair | Large Round | $225.00 | $225.00 | $225.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa/Grass Mix | Fair | Large Round | $160.00 | $160.00 | $160.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa/Grass Mix | Premium | Large Round | $300.00 | $300.00 | $300.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa/Grass Mix | Utility/Fair | Large Square 3x4 | $230.00 | $230.00 | - | Per Ton |
| Barley | - | Large Square 3x4 | $150.00 | $150.00 | $150.00 | Per Ton |
| Barley | - | Round | $80.00 | $80.00 | $80.00 | Per Ton |
| Grass | Premium | Large Round | $230.00 | $230.00 | $230.00 | Per Ton |
| Timothy Grass | Premium | Small Square | $360.00 | $360.00 | $360.00 | Per Ton |
| Wheat | - | Large Round | $200.00 | $200.00 | $200.00 | Per Ton |
About this data
These are asking and sale prices collected by USDA Market News reporters directly from Montana hay growers and dealers, published weekly as the AMS_2769 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_2769, published Sep 18, 2026. View the original USDA report (PDF).
Montana hay production
Montana is a large hay-producing state, led by alfalfa along with grass hay and alfalfa-grass mixtures. Irrigated hay is concentrated in river valleys and other irrigated farming areas, while dryland hay is important across much of the state. Irrigated alfalfa commonly yields two or three cuttings from summer into early fall, while dryland fields generally produce fewer cuttings. Montana is often a hay-surplus state, supplying regional livestock markets and sending some compressed alfalfa hay through Pacific ports to overseas buyers.
Frequently asked questions
How much does hay cost in Montana right now?
Montana hay prices currently range from $80 to $360 per ton, averaging about $223, based on the latest USDA Direct Hay report dated Sep 18, 2026. The table above breaks this down by type, quality, and bale size. Alfalfa/Grass Mix is among the most commonly reported types this week.
How often are these prices updated?
USDA publishes the Montana 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 20, 2026.
Hay prices in other states
Arizona
California
Colorado
Idaho
Iowa
Kansas
Kentucky
Missouri
Nebraska
New Mexico
Oklahoma
Oregon
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Washington-Oregon (Columbia Basin)
Wyoming