New Mexico Hay Prices
New Mexico hay prices currently range from $125 to $300 per ton, based on the latest USDA Direct Hay report dated Jun 18, 2026. Prices are as reported by USDA Market News, published Jun 18, 2026; note the price unit (per ton or per bale) shown in each row.
| Hay type | Quality | Bale | Low | High | Avg | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alfalfa | Fair | Small Square 3 Tie | $235.00 | $235.00 | - | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Fair/Good | Large Square 3x4 | $180.00 | $180.00 | - | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Good | Large Square 3x4 | $220.00 | $220.00 | - | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Good/Premium | Large Square 3x4 | $125.00 | $125.00 | - | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Good/Premium | Large Square 3x4 | $240.00 | $240.00 | - | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Premium | Large Square 3x4 | $250.00 | $250.00 | - | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Premium | Medium Square 3x3 | $300.00 | $300.00 | - | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Premium | Large Square 3x4 | $210.00 | $210.00 | - | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Premium | Large Square 3x4 | $100.00 | $100.00 | - | Per Bale |
| Alfalfa | Premium | Small Square | $9.00 | $9.00 | - | Per Bale |
| Alfalfa | Premium | Small Square | $190.00 | $190.00 | - | Per Bundle |
| Alfalfa | Premium/Supreme | Small Square 3 Tie | $22.00 | $22.00 | $22.00 | Per Bale |
| Alfalfa | Premium/Supreme | Small Square 3 Tie | $12.00 | $12.00 | - | Per Bale |
| Alfalfa | Premium/Supreme | Small Square 3 Tie | $180.00 | $180.00 | - | Per Bundle |
| Alfalfa | Supreme | Small Square 3 Tie | $255.00 | $255.00 | - | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Supreme | Small Square 3 Tie | $250.00 | $250.00 | - | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Supreme | Large Square 4x4 | $235.00 | $235.00 | - | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Utility/Fair | Small Square 3 Tie | $230.00 | $230.00 | - | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa/Grass Mix | Premium | Small Square | $11.00 | $11.00 | - | Per Bale |
| Alfalfa/Grass Mix | Premium | Small Square Bundled | $231.00 | $231.00 | - | Per Bundle |
| Alfalfa/Orchard Mix | Good | Small Square 3 Tie | $240.00 | $240.00 | - | Per Ton |
| Bermuda Grass | Good/Premium | Small Square 3 Tie | $22.00 | $22.00 | $22.00 | Per Bale |
| Triticale | Premium | Medium Square 3x3 | $168.00 | $168.00 | - | Per Bundle |
| Wheat | Good | Large Square 3x4 | $190.00 | $190.00 | - | Per Ton |
| Wheat | Good/Premium | Large Square 3x4 | $200.00 | $200.00 | - | Per Ton |
| Wheat | Good/Premium | Large Square 3x4 | $80.00 | $80.00 | - | Per Bale |
These are asking and sale prices collected by USDA Market News reporters directly from New Mexico hay growers and dealers, published weekly as the AMS_2939 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_2939, published Jun 18, 2026. View the original USDA report (PDF).
New Mexico hay production
Alfalfa is New Mexico's principal commercial hay crop, alongside grass hay, small-grain hay, and specialty forage for dairy, beef, horse, and other livestock markets. Key production areas include irrigated valleys along the Rio Grande and Pecos rivers, the eastern plains, and parts of the northwest. Because of the arid climate, most commercial hay production relies on irrigation, and alfalfa can commonly be cut several times from spring through fall. New Mexico supplies substantial forage to its dairy and livestock sector, while alfalfa also moves to Texas and other southwestern markets when supplies and freight economics support those flows.
Frequently asked questions
How much does hay cost in New Mexico right now?
New Mexico hay prices currently range from $125 to $300 per ton, based on the latest USDA Direct Hay report dated Jun 18, 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 New Mexico 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.