This is Dyersville hay price around here we alfalfa producers have killed most fields as you can’t hardly give away alfalfa.

https://www.dyersvillehayandstrawauction.net/results

You guys are absolutely ignorant of cattle and the way the market works.

..please enlightness then

My boys only shot 7 last year down from 10 the year before. They let a lot walk. We were out of deer about April and I bought a cow from my hay guy and he took it off. I was hopeful it would last tell deer seasion but I was not sure with my boys growing like weeds and the wife and I going low carb and meat consumption going up.

I know I am but I need to learn.

"we alfalfa producers have killed most fields as you can’t hardly give away alfalfa."
What is better hay than alfalfa? Or why?

That statement and some of this topic seem odd to me.
Real good rainfall over here, maybe too much.
I'll try and post local meat prices later today.

Not trying to argue.
Am trying to learn.

Local cutter #1 1/4 beef $900 CWF

Local cutter #2 1/2 pig or 1/2 beef $2.99lb CWF

Per their advertising

I would sure like to know how the cattle market works beings I am from Montana I have no clue. Waiting with baited breath for the answer.

There really isn’t much better but the beef cow producer really never wanted to pay for quality, like the dairy producers will, a lot of beef producers will feed junk and as long as they live they’re happy.

beef cows will need some (roughage) poorer hay along with better feed to stay warm in winter. strait alfalfa is not a good choice for beef maintance.also most beef cows are dry in the winter(not lactating) so do not need the high quality hay that is needed in producing milk like the dairies do.also finishing a beef is a differant story. price for hay is also a factor not so much now but 3 or 4 years ago it was 300 dollars per ton. i will feed 2 to 3 tons per day in the winter.

Yes straight alfalfa is not the best for beef cows, especially as stated when calves are weaned off and they are not lactating. Those that have got rid of alfalfa due to low prices many times do not live where the forage needs are when it is dry. Also with the huge increases in transportation costs moving bulky forages hundreds of miles really as lowered the producer prices for those marketing forages. Another factor when having poor or limited pasture is not only the feed to buy, it can mean the cows are lactating less and calves grow slower and that costs money too. Also in really tight feed supply times cows may not replenish body condition to get ready for the next calving season.

Bryce