Escalating costs for hay and supplements has many producers concerned according to a news release from University of Missouri Extension Field Specialist in Livestock for Pettis County, Gene Schmitz. This is in the face of poor pasture conditions and limited hay supplies in some areas of the state.

Good hay is currently costing $150 per ton, fair hay $125 per ton and poor hay $115 per ton based on reported prices. Raised hay is estimated to have a value of $90 per ton, regardless of nutrient quality. Estimates for hay prices of varying quality are from a local feed supplier and Missouri Department of Agriculture estimates. Raised hay prices are based on 2022 MU Cropping Budgets.

Several diets using various ingredients were calculated within each hay quality classification to get a median supplement cost for each type of hay. Average supplement per head per day for dry spring-calving cows, including salt and mineral, was 2 pounds of supplement for good hay, 3.2 for fair and 5.2 for poor. Fall-calving cows averaged needing 2.8 pounds of supplement for good hay, 4.5 for fair and 6.3 for poor.

The daily cost estimate for feed costs for spring-calving cows is $2.68 for good hay, fair $2.38 and poor hay $2.68. For raised hay the estimates are $1.75, $1.86 and $2.15.

The daily cost estimates for fall-calving cows are higher due to lactation. Estimates are $2.90 for good hay, $2.68 for fair and $2.68 for poor. For raised hay the estimates are $1.94, $2.16 and $2.34.

Cow/calf estimates are designed to give a general idea of winter feed costs based on current prices. The estimates may help with the decision to keep or sell livestock and to buy or not additional hay or other feed supplies.