● Market Report · AUGUST 31, 2026
Dakota SD jumps 10% while benchmark holds
HayWire · Week of August 31, 2026 · USDA AMS · 195 records · 28 regions
§01 The 60-Second Read
The benchmark sits at 189.97, down 0.53 from 190.49 last week, a 0.3% dip that barely moves the needle. The real story is Dakota SD Mon, up 20.97 to 230.69, a 10.0% jump on 145.01 vs. 146.73 reported tons; 1 price line each. That climb favors sellers at the top end while the broad market stays flat.
§02 By the Numbers
Good benchmark $190/ton ▼ 0.3% / $1 week over week |
Top mover $231 Dakota SD Mon · ▲ 10.0% · 145.01 vs. 146.73 reported tons; 1 price line each |
Geography spread $63/ton Dakota SD Mon $231 → RockValley IA Thu $168 |
Alfalfa index $255/ton steady · medium confidence |
§03 Watch List
| 01 | Dakota SD leads high side Dakota SD Mon at 230.69, up 20.97 week over week on 145.01 vs. 146.73 reported tons; 1 price line each. |
| 02 | Wide spread across markets Gap of 63.19 between Dakota SD Mon high at 230.69 and Rock Valley IA Thu low at 167.5. |
| 03 | Diesel eases slightly U.S. diesel $5.60/gal, down $0.05 week over week, making delivered loads a touch cheaper this week. |
§04 The Read
The flat benchmark at 189.97 tells you the broad market is holding, but Dakota SD Mon at 230.69 shows strength at the top. With a 63.19 spread across markets, that suggests quality and region matter more than any single trend right now. Slack sits in the lower-priced markets, firmness up top.
§05 From the Field
Reported to HayWire directly — outside the USDA index
Kansas — prairie: $140/ton Kansas producer · Sep 1 |
Kansas — prairie: $275/ton Kansas producer · Sep 1 |
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