● Market Report · JULY 13, 2026
Benchmark jumps 9.5% to $167.01
HayWire · Week of July 13, 2026 · USDA AMS · 180 records · 29 regions
§01 The 60-Second Read
The benchmark ran to $167.01 a ton this week, up $14.55 or 9.5 percent from $152.45. That is a firm move across the six markets in the index, and it favors sellers holding hay right now. Buyers are the ones paying up.
§02 By the Numbers
Good benchmark $167/ton ▲ 9.5% / $15 week over week |
Top mover $144 Pipestone MN · ▲ 17.9% |
Geography spread $135/ton Nebraska - West $270 → Nebraska - East $135 |
Alfalfa index $210/ton steady · low confidence |
§03 Watch List
| 01 | Pipestone MN climbs hard Up $21.81 to $143.78, a 17.9 percent jump week over week, the biggest gainer on the board. |
| 02 | Nebraska markets split Central slid $6.94 to $137.50 while Platte Valley added $5.00 to $135.00 the same week. |
| 03 | Diesel adds to freight U.S. diesel $4.80 a gallon, up $0.22 week over week, so delivered loads cost a bit more. |
§04 The Read
The near $14.55 lift in the benchmark, plus a 17.9 percent pop at Pipestone, points to firming this week. Strength is not everywhere though. Nebraska shows both sides, with Central down $6.94 and Platte Valley up $5.00, so slack still sits in pockets even as the top end holds near $270.00.
§05 The Call
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