Low (per ton)
$150
South Dakota Hay Prices
South Dakota hay prices currently range from $150 to $300 per ton, averaging about $194, based on the latest USDA Direct Hay report dated Jul 31, 2026. Prices are as reported by USDA Market News, published Jul 31, 2026; note the price unit (per ton or per bale) shown in each row.
High (per ton)
$300
Average
$194
Reported
Jul 31, 2026
| Hay type | Quality | Bale | Low | High | Avg | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Alfalfa | Good/Premium | Large Round | $200.00 | $200.00 | $200.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Premium | Large Square 3x4 | $200.00 | $200.00 | $200.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Premium/Supreme | Large Square 3x4 | $235.00 | $235.00 | $235.00 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa | Supreme | Large Square 3x4 | $220.00 | $300.00 | $231.43 | Per Ton |
| Alfalfa/Oat Mix | - | Large Round | $160.00 | $160.00 | $160.00 | Per Ton |
| Grass | Premium | Large Round | $180.00 | $180.00 | $180.00 | Per Ton |
| Wheat | - | Large Square | $150.00 | $160.00 | $155.00 | Per Ton |
About this data
These are asking and sale prices collected by USDA Market News reporters directly from South Dakota hay growers and dealers, published weekly as the AMS_3183 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_3183, published Jul 31, 2026. View the original USDA report (PDF).
South Dakota hay production
South Dakota produces substantial quantities of alfalfa, grass hay, and alfalfa-grass mixtures for cattle and dairy feeding. Hay is grown statewide, with alfalfa important in river valleys and other productive cropland areas, while grass hay is common across the Prairie Coteau and western ranching country. Production is predominantly dryland, though irrigated alfalfa occurs in suitable areas, and two to three cuttings are typical depending on location and moisture. The state commonly supplies regional livestock markets, with hay moving to cattle and dairy users in the Dakotas and neighboring Plains states.
Frequently asked questions
How much does hay cost in South Dakota right now?
South Dakota hay prices currently range from $150 to $300 per ton, averaging about $194, based on the latest USDA Direct Hay report dated Jul 31, 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 South Dakota 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
Nebraska
New Mexico
Oklahoma
Oregon
Tennessee
Texas
Utah
Washington-Oregon (Columbia Basin)
Wyoming