Cost of Hay in Texas (2025)

Hay plays a vital role in Texas agriculture. From small-scale livestock owners to large commercial cattle operations, hay is the backbone of feed programs, especially during dry seasons when pasture grass is scarce. Because Texas is one of the largest cattle-producing states in the U.S., fluctuations in hay availability and pricing affect not only ranchers but also the overall livestock industry.

This article takes a deep dive into the cost of hay in Texas, examining current prices, key factors driving costs, regional variations, and practical considerations for buyers. The goal is to provide a clear, fact-based resource for farmers, ranchers, and anyone interested in Texas agriculture.

Cost of Hay in Texas

The cost of hay in Texas varies significantly depending on type, quality, bale size, and region. As of 2025, average prices reported across markets in Texas generally range between:

$60 to $100 per round bale (1,000–1,200 lbs.) for common grasses such as coastal Bermuda.
$120 to $200 per ton for premium quality square bales of alfalfa or specialty blends.
$8 to $15 per small square bale (40–60 lbs.) depending on grass type and condition.

For clarity, here’s a summarized table of typical hay prices in Texas:

Type of Hay	Average Price (per ton)	Average Price (per bale)	Notes
Coastal Bermuda Grass	$120 – $160	$60 – $100 (round bale)	Most common hay in Texas
Alfalfa	$180 – $250	$12 – $18 (small square bale)	High-protein, premium hay
Sorghum-Sudan Grass	$100 – $140	$50 – $90 (round bale)	Good drought option
Ryegrass	$130 – $170	$8 – $12 (small square bale)	Seasonal availability
Mixed Native Grasses	$90 – $130	$45 – $80 (round bale)	Varies widely in quality

Important note: Prices shift seasonally and regionally. The above figures are averages based on current USDA Texas hay market reports and local auction data.

Factors Affecting Hay Prices in Texas

Hay prices in Texas are not fixed—they respond to several economic and environmental pressures. The following are the most influential factors:

1. Drought and Weather Conditions

Texas is highly prone to drought. When rainfall is limited, pastures do not produce enough forage, forcing ranchers to rely more heavily on purchased hay. This increased demand drives prices up, especially for higher-quality bales. Conversely, in years of good rainfall, hay is more abundant and prices are lower.

2. Type and Quality of Hay

Not all hay is created equal. Nutrient-rich alfalfa, for example, commands a higher price than coastal Bermuda grass. Quality also matters: hay that is green, free of mold, and harvested at the right stage is worth more than weather-damaged or over-mature hay.

3. Transportation and Fuel Costs

Texas is a large state, and transporting hay across regions can add significant cost. Fuel price spikes directly influence hay costs, especially when supplies must be trucked in from out-of-state during shortages.

4. Supply and Demand Cycles

Cattle herd sizes in Texas fluctuate with market conditions. When more ranchers are holding larger herds, demand for hay increases. During herd reductions, demand falls and prices ease.

5. Storage and Availability

Hay stored under cover maintains its quality and fetches higher prices compared to hay left exposed to weather. Availability also changes seasonally, with prices peaking during winter months when pastures go dormant.

Regional Variations in Texas Hay Prices

Texas is vast, and hay prices are not uniform across the state. Several regions exhibit distinct trends:

East Texas: Known for coastal Bermuda grass production, prices are often more affordable here due to abundant local supply.
Central Texas: A mix of Bermuda and native grasses is common. Prices are moderate but rise in drought years.
West Texas: Drier climate limits production, so hay often must be transported from other regions, leading to higher costs.
Panhandle and North Texas: Grain production competes with hay acreage, and prices fluctuate depending on corn and wheat market conditions.

For example, a round bale of Bermuda grass might cost $65 in East Texas but rise to $90 or more in West Texas due to transportation needs.

Common Types of Hay in Texas and Their Uses

Understanding the types of hay available helps explain why prices differ.

Coastal Bermuda Grass

Most widely grown hay in Texas.
Moderate protein (8–12%) and digestibility.
Popular for cattle and horses.
Generally priced lower than premium hays.

Alfalfa

Not as commonly grown in Texas but imported from nearby states like New Mexico.
High in protein (15–20%) and calcium.
Essential for dairy cattle, horses, and goats.
Highest-priced hay due to quality and transport costs.

Sorghum-Sudan Grass

Grows well in hot, dry conditions.
Lower protein content but cost-effective feed for cattle.
Priced mid-range, often used in drought years.

Ryegrass and Small Grains

Typically grown as cool-season forages.
Used for both grazing and hay production.
Prices moderate but depend on seasonal yields.

Mixed Native Grasses

Vary widely in quality and price.
Often used for beef cattle operations.
Affordable option when high protein is not required.

Seasonal Price Trends

Hay prices in Texas follow a fairly predictable pattern throughout the year:

Spring/Early Summer: Prices are lowest as fresh harvests come to market.
Late Summer/Early Fall: Prices begin to rise, especially in dry years.
Winter (December–February): Prices peak due to heavy feeding needs and limited fresh pasture growth.

For example, a small square bale of coastal Bermuda might cost $8 in June but rise to $12 in January when demand is highest.

Buying Hay in Texas: Where and How

For livestock owners, knowing where to purchase hay is as important as understanding price. Common sources include:

Local Farmers and Ranchers: Direct purchases often provide better value.
Livestock Auctions and Hay Auctions: These allow buyers to compare lots and prices.
Feed Stores: Convenient but sometimes more expensive due to retail markup.
Online Listings and Market Reports: Websites like Texas Hay Exchange and USDA reports provide updated availability and pricing.

When buying, it’s important to inspect hay quality. Look for:

Green color (indicating freshness and nutrients).
Minimal dust or mold.
Sweet smell (not musty).
Tight, uniform bales.

Impact of Hay Prices on Texas Agriculture

High hay prices ripple across Texas agriculture:

Cattle Operations: Increased feeding costs may force ranchers to sell off cattle, reducing herd sizes.
Horse Owners: Many pay premium prices for small square bales of clean Bermuda or alfalfa.
Goat and Sheep Producers: Balance cost-effective feeding with nutritional needs, often turning to mixed grasses.
Dairy Farms: Particularly sensitive to alfalfa prices, which directly affect milk production costs.

In years of severe drought, hay shortages have led to out-of-state imports, pushing costs even higher and impacting the profitability of livestock operations statewide.

We’ve covered the average costs of hay in Texas, the factors that drive price fluctuations, and the importance of hay in livestock operations. To provide a complete picture, let’s now explore historical trends, detailed cost breakdowns, storage considerations, and future outlooks that give ranchers and buyers the context they need for making informed decisions.

Historical Hay Price Trends in Texas

Tracking hay costs over time helps explain today’s prices. According to USDA market data and Texas A&M AgriLife reports, hay prices in Texas have followed a cyclical pattern influenced by droughts, input costs, and demand.

Early 2000s: Hay prices were relatively stable, averaging $50–$70 per round bale for Bermuda grass.
2011–2012 Drought: Texas suffered one of the worst droughts in state history. Hay supplies plummeted, and prices doubled, with alfalfa exceeding $250 per ton and Bermuda round bales reaching $120–$150 each.
2015–2019: Favorable weather brought moderate prices, generally $70–$90 per round bale.
2020–2022: The COVID-19 pandemic disrupted supply chains. Coupled with localized droughts, Bermuda hay rose to $100–$120 per bale in many regions.
2023–2024: Severe drought across central and western Texas tightened supplies. Coastal Bermuda averaged $120–$150 per bale, while alfalfa again surged to $250+ per ton.
2025: With rainfall improving in parts of Texas, hay production has increased, and average prices have slightly moderated, though they remain above pre-drought levels.

Key takeaway: Weather remains the single most important factor in Texas hay prices, with drought years seeing spikes of 30–60% above average.

Detailed Cost Breakdown

Understanding the price of hay isn’t just about the market—it also reflects production costs. Texas hay producers face expenses that shape the final price buyers pay.

1. Production Costs

Seed and Fertilizer: Bermuda and alfalfa fields require regular fertilization, with nitrogen costs fluctuating alongside global energy markets.
Water and Irrigation: In regions without rainfall, irrigation is costly and increases per-bale expenses.
Labor: Cutting, raking, baling, and stacking hay is labor-intensive.
Machinery Costs: Tractors, balers, and mowers require fuel and maintenance.

2. Storage Costs

Barn Storage: Covered storage helps maintain hay quality but adds to cost.
Outdoor Storage: Cheaper but increases spoilage risk, leading to price discounts for buyers.

3. Transportation Costs

Fuel and trucking charges add significantly to hay delivered across long distances. In West Texas, where production is limited, hauling hay from East Texas or out-of-state can add $20–$40 per bale in freight costs.

4. Market Markups

Retail feed stores and resellers typically charge 10–20% more than direct farm purchases to cover handling and storage.

Cost Comparison: Small vs. Large Operations

The impact of hay prices is different for small-scale livestock owners versus large ranching operations.

Small-Scale Owners (Horses, Goats, Hobby Farms):
- Typically purchase small square bales.
- Cost per ton is higher, averaging $180–$250, since convenience packaging and retail sales raise the price.
- More sensitive to quality, especially horse owners who need dust-free, high-protein hay.
Large-Scale Cattle Ranches:
- Purchase large round bales in bulk.
- Average cost per ton is lower, around $120–$160 for Bermuda or mixed grasses.
- More focused on cost efficiency than premium quality.

This distinction highlights why “average hay price” figures can vary widely depending on the buyer’s needs.

Hay Storage and Its Impact on Price

Storage is a major consideration in both cost and quality.

Covered Storage

Preserves nutrients and prevents spoilage.
Hay stored indoors may retain 90% of feed value after a year.
Higher upfront cost, but resale prices remain strong.

Outdoor Storage

Common in Texas due to large bale volumes.
Losses can reach 20–30% of feed value in a year if hay is left uncovered.
Buyers often receive discounted rates on exposed hay.

Wrap and Netting Options

Plastic wrap or netting reduces spoilage.
Increases baling costs but adds value for buyers needing long-term storage.

Government Reports and Market Tracking

Ranchers and livestock owners can stay informed by tracking official hay market reports. Key sources include:

USDA Texas Hay Reports: Provide weekly updates on prices across major regions.
Texas Department of Agriculture: Offers drought monitoring and crop production data.
Texas A&M AgriLife Extension: Publishes research and management tips to reduce feed costs.

These reports are fact-based and widely used in the industry for price planning.

Practical Tips for Reducing Hay Costs

With hay being one of the largest expenses in livestock operations, Texas producers and buyers often look for ways to manage costs.

Buy in Bulk: Purchasing semi-loads directly from growers reduces per-bale costs.
Time Purchases Seasonally: Buying in summer after harvest often secures lower prices than waiting until winter.
Test Nutritional Quality: A hay test can confirm protein and energy levels, helping buyers avoid overpaying for poor-quality hay.
Store Properly: Investing in tarps or barns reduces spoilage losses.
Supplement with Alternative Feeds: Cottonseed hulls, corn stalks, or sorghum silage may be used when hay prices spike.

Future Outlook for Texas Hay Prices

Looking forward, hay prices in Texas are expected to remain sensitive to weather patterns, fuel prices, and cattle market conditions. Several key points stand out:

Climate Variability: Increasingly unpredictable rainfall means Texas will likely continue experiencing hay price volatility.
Input Costs: Fertilizer and fuel prices remain tied to global markets, affecting local hay costs.
Cattle Herd Cycles: As Texas ranchers rebuild herds following recent drought sell-offs, demand for hay is expected to increase again.
Regional Supply Chains: Transportation costs will remain a critical factor, particularly for West Texas.

While no exact prediction can be made, experts agree that $60–$100 per round bale of Bermuda grass will remain the “normal” range in average years, with spikes in drought conditions pushing prices significantly higher.