Low (per ton)
$85
Nebraska Hay Prices
Nebraska hay prices currently range from $85 to $390 per ton, averaging about $199, 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 ton)
$390
Average
$199
Reported
Jul 30, 2026
| Hay type | Quality | Bale | Low | High | Avg | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alfalfa | - | Ground | $205.00 | $205.00 | - | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | - | Pellets 17% Dehydrated | $370.00 | $370.00 | - | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | - | Pellets 17% Suncured | $300.00 | $300.00 | - | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | - | Ground | $200.00 | $200.00 | - | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | - | Pellets 17% Dehydrated | $330.00 | $340.00 | - | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | - | Ground | $275.00 | $275.00 | - | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | - | Pellets 17% Suncured | $390.00 | $390.00 | - | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Good | Large Round | $140.00 | $140.00 | $140.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Good | Large Round | $160.00 | $170.00 | $165.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Good | Large Round | $140.00 | $140.00 | $140.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Good | Large Square 3x4 | $200.00 | $200.00 | $200.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Good | Large Round | $200.00 | $200.00 | $200.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Good | Large Square 3x4 | $270.00 | $270.00 | $270.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Good/Premium | Large Square 3x4 | $280.00 | $310.00 | $295.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Supreme | Large Square 3x4 | $280.00 | $280.00 | $280.00 | Per Ton |
| Oat | - | Large Round | $85.00 | $85.00 | $85.00 | Per Ton |
| Oat | - | Large Round | $220.00 | $220.00 | $220.00 | Per Ton |
| Prairie/Meadow Grass | Good | Large Round | $160.00 | $200.00 | $177.14 | Per Ton |
| Prairie/Meadow Grass | Good | Large Round | $160.00 | $160.00 | $160.00 | Per Ton |
| Prairie/Meadow Grass | Good/Premium | Small Square | $10.00 | $10.00 | $10.00 | Per Bale |
| Wheat | - | Large Square 3x4 | $250.00 | $250.00 | $250.00 | Per Ton |
About this data
These are asking and sale prices collected by USDA Market News reporters directly from Nebraska hay growers and dealers, published weekly as the AMS_2935 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_2935, published Jul 30, 2026. View the original USDA report (PDF).
Nebraska hay production
Nebraska grows both alfalfa and other hay, including grass hay, prairie hay, and alfalfa-grass mixes. Alfalfa production is important in irrigated and subirrigated areas of central and western Nebraska, while grass and native hay are common across the Sandhills and other rangeland regions. Alfalfa typically has several cuttings from late spring through early fall, while grass hay is often harvested in a shorter summer window. The state is a significant regional hay supplier, with hay moving to livestock and dairy markets within Nebraska and to neighboring states.
Frequently asked questions
How much does hay cost in Nebraska right now?
Nebraska hay prices currently range from $85 to $390 per ton, averaging about $199, 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 Nebraska 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
Kentucky
Missouri
Montana
New Mexico
Oklahoma
Oregon
South Dakota
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Washington-Oregon (Columbia Basin)
Wyoming