News

Hay harvested area likely to increase in 2026

The USDA expects 50.113 million acres of hay to be harvested in 2026.

That would be up 1% on the year, at least implying a larger national supply, but that will also depend on yield.

Hay prices are highly variable, and depend largely on local supply and demand, along with quality.

The USDA’s weekly national crop progress and condition reports resume Monday, April 6^th.

Comparisons for Brownfield states:

Arkansas: All Hay: 1.27 million acres, unchanged from 2025

Illinois: All Hay: ALL-TIME LOW: 410,000 acres, down 9% from 2025

Indiana: All Hay: 500,000 acres, down 9% from 2025

Iowa: All Hay: 1.06 million acres, up 5% from 2025

Kansas: All Hay: 2.37 million acres, down 1% from 2025

Kentucky: All Hay: 2.31 million acres, up 1% from 2025

Michigan: All Hay: 790,000 acres, up 4% from 2025

Minnesota: All Hay: 1.3 million acres, up 2% from 2025

Missouri: All Hay: 3.15 million acres, up 6% from 2025

Nebraska: All Hay: 2.25 million acres, down 2% from 2025

Ohio: All Hay: 850,000 acres, up 4% from 2025

South Dakota: All Hay: 2.55 million acres, down 3% from 2025

Tennessee: All Hay: 1.72 million acres, up fractionally from 2025

Wisconsin: All Hay: 1.23 million acres, up 7% from 2025