There are many reasons to buy hay for your animals, but how much does a bale of hay cost? Where can you find the best deal on this type of animal feed? Read on to learn more about the price and various options available.
This is a great question to ask yourself whether you are looking to get horses or maybe you have horses and are moving to a new area or switching from round bales to square bales. We have lived in a few different states including Colorado, Virginia and Upstate New York and the prices can range quite a bit for various reasons.
We have found to New York to be the best quality hay hands down along with the cheapest. Growing up I remember haying the very fields we now own and it can be a lot of fun and you also manage to get a great workout. I know of people that actually drive their hay all the way from New York to Arizona to sell because of how much more expensive it is out that way.
A bale of hay costs on average around $5, but the price can range quite a bit from as little as $3 to $10 per a square bale based on quality. This is for a bale of hay that weighs around 50 lbs.
This is based on average cost of first or second cutting of hay there are many variables that can cause prices to increase or decrease year after year. Some of these include a drought or flooding along with what kind of hay you get where a bale of alfalfa is going to cost quite a bit more. Don’t worry we have you covered with almost all the variables and state to state cost below so make sure to check it out. We made calls and did a lot of research to get the information included below.
A Comprehensive Guide: How Much Does A Bale Of Hay Cost
Hay cost fluctuate and it can be a very frustrating subject. Just the year before I am writing this we suffered somewhat of a drought here in New York state like nothing I have ever seen before. So hay prices went up along with the quality and quantity going down especially the further we went into winter. So the next season we made it a point to getting back to stocking up on hay.
When Is The Best Time To Get Hay?
The absolute best time to get hay is right after the farmer is done cutting have them deliver right then and there. That is because it is easier on them since they won’t have to store in their mow and only handle once. You can get for much cheaper as well. If this isn’t an option make sure you buy and stock up in the early season.
When you get into later months and winter hay prices almost always have a tendency to sore.
Option 1: Get the hay before it goes to the farmers mow
Option 2: Get it early
How To Find Good Cheap Hay?
Start local and expand from there. Help your local farmer hay and they are sure to give you a big discount and guess what you get a great workout in the meantime. Speak for as much hay as you can so you can get it at a much cheaper price as well.
If local is just too expensive or there isn’t enough search out of state maybe even have it delivered might be worth it for the better quality too. We know of people that live in Maryland, but they get all their hay in Pennsylvania because it is cheaper and better quality.
You need to find out what is worth it, might be easier and more convenient to spend a buck or two more to have a farmer next door with easily accessible hay.
Your third would be if you own land to have it hayed by a farmer and you keep a percentage of that hay. The old family farm we bought has 15 acres of pasture so about 4 or 5 acres we have hayed and we split with the farmer 50/50.
Option 1: Get it local and cut the middle man out
Option 2: Help your farmer out for a discount
Option 3: Have a farmer hay your meadows
Quality VS Quantity
The higher the quality the higher the price of course, but you need to know your limits with your horse. If all your horse gets is hay then yes you will want a higher quality hay most of the time if you are riding them. We cycle where we get higher quality hay in the winter time like a 2nd cutting and first cutting that is more like a filler in the summer time.
This will have to be a balance based on how active your horse is what breed they are among other factors. The best place to go for this advice is probably more so your local vet. We have both quarter horses and appendix quarter horses so we feed different based on what they need. The older they are especially with appendix we have found it is tough for them to keep weight on. So we switch to sweet feed and and also feed more alfalfa horse quality hay than we do the other horses.
We have a miniature horse that gets more hay and less time on the pasture because he can over do it and gain weight quickly when on grass. So we cycle between 1st and 2nd cutting with him based on the amount of time he is in the pasture.
So what type of hay should you use?
Start with any local horse quality hay as a baseline which will be an orchard, timothy or bermudagrass hay. Try to get first cutting but if you get fresh first cutting you should be fine.
See how the horses like it and maintain their weight. You may need to look to supplement with some alfalfa which is legume hay meaning lots more protein and calories. So you have to be careful with this and you may want to ask your vet about maybe doing alfalfa pellets instead.
Legume Hay
Legumes are a plant family that includes alfalfa, clover, and birdsfoot trefoil hay. Legume hay is higher in protein than grass-based hays such as timothy or oat straws. This increased concentration of the amino acid arginine leads to an increase in energy for horses eating legume fodder; however it can also lead to problems with obesity if they consume too much food at once – especially during summer months when feeding limits may be lower due to heat stress on animals who do not have access to fresh water sources like rivers or lakes where they can take dips from time-to-time while grazing.”
Alfalfa
Alfalfa hay is the most common legume for horses, and one of the more popular choices in America. If you are looking to feed your horse some high-quality food that will provide plenty of nutrients as well as ample fiber, protein, and calcium then alfalfa might be a great option!
Clovers
Clover hay is a great source of energy, protein and fiber. However, if it molds the horse will experience nausea as well as slobbering and bleeding in their mouth. Clover plants usually have three leaves but they can range anywhere from two to six depending on what type you are looking at; most commonly clover has been mixed with other grasses for better nutrition so that there’s not only one species dominating this nutritious foodstuff.
Birdsfoot Trefoil
Birdsfoot trefoil is a more resistant forage to negative soil conditions and moisture fluctuations. Birdsfoot trefoil grows from 2-3 feet tall, and thrives when mixed with grasses in the pasture mix of hay. This legume produces small flowers that bloom bright yellow clustered at the end of stem branches once seed pods form they extend away from its stalk looking like a bird’s foot (hence their name). Legumes offer many benefits over other types including increased digestibility which means horses can get nutrients faster without as much effort on your part or theirs–meaning you will need less fodder than what you would have needed if feeding only grass hays even though it may be easier to eat because it has lower lignin
Grass Hay
Grass hay comes in many varieties and the best hay can vary from horse to horse. There are a number of different types available, but what’s most important is finding something your specific animal needs- for example whether they have allergies or if you live in an area without much variety that might be more challenging on their digestion.
Timothy
Timothy hay, the go-to for most horse owners and their equine friends alike. Timothy is typically a finer textured grass than other types of hays which means it has higher protein content but also better balance in nutrients such as calcium and fiber.
Bermuda
Bermuda grass is a durable and flexible hay for horses. Coastal Bermuda Grass has short, fine blades of green that make it lower in protein than other types of hay but still provides an excellent source to keep your horse healthy. The most affordable type on the market, you can purchase this coastal bermuda at any feed store near you!
Brome
Brome grass is a common hay in Colorado, but it’s not often seen by people west of the Rockies. It has a different appearance from timothy and orchard hays as well–its leaves are wider with more variety in their color. Though brome lacks calcium when compared to legume-based hay, its high protein content makes this one worth considering for livestock that needs just some extra energy before winter comes around again!
Orchard
Orchard hay is another type of grass that can be a great alternative to traditional timothy. Orchard hay usually has thicker blades than the other varieties, but sometimes it’s also softer in texture and lower in protein compared to timothy or clover. Another characteristic about this tall green variety is that it does well with cooler temperatures – which for horses means less stress on their bodies during feeding times!
Oat
Oat hay is a nutritious option for horse feed and can be used alone or mixed with alfalfa. Oats are cut at the milk-soft dough stage of their growth cycle, giving them more nutrients than other types of grasses which make oats an attractive choice to use in your animal’s diet as they have protein that is good for muscle building and fatty acids that keep teeth healthy while also boosting brain function.
Ryegrass
Rye grass is excellent for horses, but it’s important to keep the watering and irrigation on point. The plant can suffer if there are too many moisture fluctuations or a drought occurs because rye tends to be sensitive in those cases.
Fescue Hay
Fescue grass is a tall, broad blade of grass that can be harmful to pregnant mares if it contains the fungal infection endophyte. Hay and pasture should always be tested for this fungus before feeding them to horses in order to prevent any problems from occurring!
Different Types Of Horse Hay
If you are going to be keeping your horse close and they will be on grass it is probably best to start with whatever a farmer has local first that is horse quality. You can ask them and they will more than likely know. Below are some examples and what they bring to the table for the horse.
Average Cost Of A Square Bale Of Hay Across The U.S.
We went out and gathered information from hay forums, websites like hay map, craigslist, Facebook Marketplace along with contacting many different farms across the country to see how much they charge or pay for hay. We used all this information to come up with these averages that we feel very confident in. If you find any discrepancies let us know and send us an email at admin@horsefaqs.com so we can look into and update our records.
Cost Of A Square Bale Of Hay In Alabama
Alabama is a state located in the southeastern United States. The average cost of bale hay in Alabama is $3-6 for an average square bale and $30+ per a standard round bale. With some sellers charging prices as high as $14+ per alfalfa square bale and $50+ for alfalfa round bale.
Cost Of A Square Bale Of Hay In Alaska
Alaska is a state located in the northwestern United States. The average cost of a square bale hay in Alaska ranges from $6 to $16 per square bale depending on quality and type. You are better off buying by the ton in Alaska if possible and you have room for storage as it will save you cost and make sure you have it in stock. Better to over stock on hay in Alaska then be left short. If you are paying by the ton you can expect to pay around $500-750 per ton depending on how close they are you may be charged a deliver charge as well. Round bales are around $80+ depending on quality and type. Always look local first.
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In Arizona
Arizona is a state located in the southwestern region of the United States. The average cost of bale hay in Arizona ranges from $5 to $10 per standard square bale, with some sellers charging prices as high as $16-18 or more per alfalfa bale.Arizona can be hit or miss from year to year. Your best bet might be ordering in bulk from out of state I know people that order it from New York that live in Tucson.
Cost Of A Square Bale Of Hay In Arkansas
Arkansas is a state located in the Southern region of the United States. The average cost of square bale hay in Arkansas ranges from $4 to $8 per square bale, with some sellers charging prices as high as $11-15 or more per alfalfa bale. Round bales were anywhere from $50-90 per depending on the quality. Always look for round bales that are stored inside for horses and usually at least an alfalfa mix they will do better on.
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In California
California is a state located in the Western region of the United States. The average cost for square bale hay in California ranges from $7 to $12 per bale, with some sellers charging prices as high as $15+ or more per alfalfa bale. California is another state that is great to buy by ton and will be more affordable with the bulk discount rate.
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In Colorado
Colorado is located in the Western region of the United States. The average cost for square bale hay in Colorado ranges from $5 to $7 for square bale, with some sellers charging prices as high as $12+ or more per alfalfa bale. Colorado can have its major ups and downs with hay I know from personal experience. They go through major droughts then you are looking at the top side of price. Most farmers are very efficient with their irrigation and watering supply though. We did find it tough to find the 2 tie 50 pound bales so it might be better to go with some round bales or 3 tie squares. A ton runs around $200-300 per. Rounds and 3 tie squares most farmers like to sell by the ton as well.
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In Connecticut
A square bale of hay averages about $3.50-$5 in the Connecticut area. If you are looking at alfalfa bales or something else with more protein will run around $7-9 per bale. You may get a different price depending on what type you purchase, and if it comes from an online retailer or local farmer. A square bale will typically be more expensive than round ones sold by weight instead of volume which is usually cheaper per pound but not always. Round bales in Connecticut aren’t as plentiful from our research but the average price was around $30-35 for standard quality and $50+ for alfalfa.
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In Delaware
A square bale of hay averages about $4-6 in the Delaware area. If you are looking at alfalfa bales or something else with more protein will run around $8-10 per bale. You may get a different price depending on what type you purchase, and if it comes from an online retailer or local farmer. Delaware is a small state so if you prices are high local don’t be afraid to look out of state.
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In Florida
A square bale of hay averages about $0.50-$75 in the Florida area. Again, this may differ depending on quality and where you’re purchasing it from so be sure to do your research before buying something that’s too expensive for what you want or need.
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In Georgia
A square bale of hay averages about $5 in the Georgia area where a square bale of high quality alfalfa will cost around $14+ a bale. Again, this may differ depending on quality and where you’re purchasing it from so be sure to do your research before buying something that’s too expensive for what you want or need. Round bales cost around $40 on average with Alfalfa rounds starting at around $50.
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In Hawaii
Hawaii is an expensive state to live in, and the hay is no different which costs about $7-10 for first cutting and $12-19 for alfalfa square bales. We didn’t find any prices for round bales as this will probably cost as much if not more because of transportation especially if you are looking island to island. These cost were local
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In Idaho
Idaho is a state with much less land but you can still find hay farms. The cost for bales will depend on the size and type of hay that they have available in their inventory. For instance, if someone has alfalfa or timothy square bales then it’ll be around $7-12 depending on how many bails there are. Native local grass will be around $4-7 per square bale. Round bales average around $35 for local hay and $50+ for high quality alfalfa rounds.
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In Illinois
Illinois is a large state with many different types of hay for sale. Depending on the type and availability, prices will range from $12-18 per bale depending on if they are square or round.
The cost to buy a bale of hay can be anywhere between $65-$100 dollars in Illinois.
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In Indiana
Costs in Indiana are determined by the type and size of hay desired. The average cost for a square bale of hay is $3-5 per and around $6-8 for alfalfa high quality. A square bale will be cheaper than a round bale, but it all depends on what you’re looking to buy and how many horses you have. Round bales will be anywhere from $35-50+ depending on the quality you are looking for.
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In Iowa
In Iowa, the cost of hay can range anywhere from $4-12 per square bale. The price will depend on type and availability so it is hard to pinpoint an average value that you should expect when buying a bale in this region. The cost of a round bale is a little more expensive here then other parts of the country so it will range from $50-100+
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In Kansas
Kansas is a great state to live in surprisingly I know they allow homesteading where the state will pay you to live there. The cost of hay in Kansas can range anywhere from $4-12 per square bale with the lower being something like timothy first cutting and the upper side being alfalfa. The price will depend on type and availability so it is hard to pinpoint an average value that you should expect when buying a bale in this region. The cost of a round bale is around $50-65+
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In Kentucky
Kentucky is another great state to live in. They have a lot of different types of hay for sale and the prices can range from $3-7 per square bale depending on what type you are looking at. Round bales are a little on the pricey side starting at around $55-75+.
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In Louisiana
Louisiana can be a very expensive state for hay due to storms like the hurricanes they get hit with.The cost of hay starts at around $5-7+ per square bale reaching $7-10 for high quality 2nd cutting and alfalfa. Round bales will range from $25-40+ based on the horse quality of the hay.
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In Maine
Maine is a smaller north eastern state and as such, it has a lot of hay shipped in from other places. They can be one of the more expensive states to get hay because there just isn’t enough to go around so a lot is imported which can make prices go up. The cost for round bale starts at around $40 going up to $55+ per bale with square bales starting at $5+ for standard and 6+ depending on the higher horse quality.
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In Maryland
The cost for bale of hay in Maryland is a little more expensive than many other states. It can range from $50-65+ for round bales depending on what types you are getting and where they are coming from. For square bales it will range from $4-7+
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In Massachusetts
The cost for bale of hay in Massachusetts is slightly more expensive than many other states. It can range from $40-60+ for rounddepending on what quality you are getting where square bales will be around $6-8.
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In Michigan
The cost for a bale of hay in Michigan is less expensive than many other states. It can range from $4-7+ for horse quality square bales the higher side being second cutting and alfalfa. Rounds that are horse quality will come in at $50-60 normally.
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In Minnesota
The cost for bale of hay in Minnesota is less than the other states we have looked at so far. It can range from $3.50 to $5 for standard horse quality square bales. The high quality starting at $6 for second cutting. Round bales will cost you around $40-50.
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In Mississippi
The cost for bale of hay in Mississippi is close to the other states we have looked at so far. It can range from $5-8+ depending standard to alfalfa horse qualities. Round bales will be around $40-50.
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In Missouri
In Missouri hay is very affordable for most where the lower horse quality bales start out at $4 onwards up to $7.50+. Rounds will range from the lower side around $35 to $60+ so quite the disparity there.
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In Montana
The cost for a bale of hay in Montana is more affordable then we thought it would be with much tougher winters being up there. Square bales start at around $4.50 for decent horse quality hay to as high as $13 for your high quality stuff. Rounds get a little more expensive starting at $40 to a whopping $80+. So this will depending on where you live in Montana south vs north.
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In Nebraska
The cost for a bale of hay in Nebraska is also close to the other states on the average side. It can range from $6-10+ for lower quality hay and $10-16 for alfalfa and other high quality hay. Rounds will range from $40-60 per bale.
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In Nevada
The cost for a bale of hay in Nevada is on the higher side with lower horse quality coming in at around $8-15 with higher quality $16+. Round bales are on average around $60-65.
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In New Hampshire
The cost for a bale of hay in New Hampshire ranged around $5-10 for square bales and $55-90+ all depending on what happens during the year with weather and quality of hay you are looking for.
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In New Jersey
The cost for a bale of hay in New Jersey is actually more affordable than we thought square bales range from $4-12 so as you can see you need to shop around and might have to travel a bit. Buying in bulk will also save you quite a bit. Round bales will cost anywhere from $55-75+.
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In New Mexico
The cost for a bale of hay in New Mexico is very affordable with square bales starting at $4.50 but can get up to $20 a bale for high quality. So shop around check out the hay to make sure you like it. Round bales $40-80+.
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In New York
The cost for a bale of hay in New York is really affordable surprisingly. Some of the best hay in the country is arguably produced in this state. If you have land here you should be haying it yourself or splitting it up with somebody 50/50. Hay can range around $2.50-5 depending which cutting and quality you are looking for. Round bales are $25-40+.
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In North Carolina
The cost for a bale of hay in North Carolina ranges from $5-7 for low horse quality square bales to upwards of $10+. Round bales start at $25-55+.
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In North Dakota
The cost for a bale of hay in North Dakota starts at $4-10+ for square bales with rounds coming in at $38-45+. Shop around and maybe look out of state if prices are starting to sky rocket in your state. Buying in bulk is also a great option to keep costs down.
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In Ohio
The cost for a bale of hay in Ohio is is pretty cheaper for decent hay starting out at $3 up to $8 for good quality square bales. Round bales cost anywhere from $30-60.
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In Oklahoma
The cost for a bale of hay in Oklahoma ranges from $5-12 for square bales this will vary quite a bit based on the year and quality. Rounds average $40-50+ which is great for a high horse quality round bale.
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In Oregon
The cost for a bale of hay in Oregon is $5-7 for lower quality square bales with $7-10 for higher quality horse hay. Round bales will be anywhere from $30-80.
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In Pennsylvania
The cost for a bale of hay in Pennsylvania is very affordable ranging from $3-10 based on what type of horse quality hay you are looking for. Round bales are anywhere on the lower end for $25 to $30+.
Cost Of A Bale of Hay In Rhode Island
The cost for a bale of hay in Rhode Island is a little more pricey because if it being a smaller state so you can look into closer states like New York and ordering in bulk to get better quality hay. Square bales start at around $5-7+ with round bales coming in at $40-55+.
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In South Carolina
The cost for a bale of hay in South Carolina ranges from $5-14+ based on the horse quality hay you get. Round bales range from $30-40+ based on the cutting and quality.
Cost of A Bale Of Hay In South Dakota
The cost for a bale of hay in South Dakota is $5-7+ for some standard horse quality hay bales. Round bales range from $40-$65+ so if you think your local prices are too high definitely look to shop around the state.
Cost Of A bale Of Hay In Tennessee
The cost for a bale of hay in Tennessee is $4-5+ for standard quality squares with high quality coming in at $6-7+. Rounds in Tennessee range from $25-40+ which is very affordable. If locally your prices are much higher I would definitely look to shop outside your area.
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In Texas
The cost for a bale of hay in Texas is very affordable with squares starting out at $3 a bale with higher quality ranging from $7-10. Round b
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In Utah
The cost for a bale of hay in Utah is close to the other states we have looked at so far. It can range from $25-40+ depending on round or square and what types you are getting.
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In Vermont
The cost for a bale of hay in Vermont is close to the other states we have looked at so far. It can range from $25-40+ depending on round or square and what types you are getting.
Cost Of A Bale of Hay In Virginia
The cost for a bale of hay in Virginia is close to the other states we have looked at so far. It can range from $25-40+ depending on round or square and what types you are getting.
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In Washington
The cost for a bale of hay in Washington is close to the other states we have looked at so far. It can range from $25-40+ depending on round or square and what types you are getting.
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In West Virginia
The cost for a bale of hay in West Virginia is close to the other states we have looked at so far. It can range from $25-40+ depending on round or square and what types you are getting.”
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In Wisconsin
The cost for a bale of hay in Wisconsin is close to the other states we have looked at so far. It can range from $25-40+ depending on round or square and what types you are getting.”
Cost Of A Bale Of Hay In Wyoming
The cost for a bale of hay in Wyoming is close to the other states we have looked at so far. It can range from $25-40+ depending on round or square and what types you are getting.”
