Arthur Hay Auction Volume Drops to 78 Bales Amid Tight Regional Supply
The Arthur Sale Barn hay auction in Illinois recorded a volume of just 78 bales during its Monday session, marking a sharp decline from 224 bales the previous week and 394 bales during the same period in 2025, according to the USDA Agricultural Marketing Service. Market reporters noted that regional supply was exceptionally limited, preventing any direct price comparisons for the session despite active trading and steady local demand.
While Arthur faced severe shortages, the Pipestone hay and straw auction in Minnesota reported 136 tons of hay for the week ending October 13, compared to 129 tons the prior week. Meanwhile, the Shipshewana hay auction in Indiana registered 31 tons on October 14, down from 49 tons the previous week, according to USDA market data.
Regional Price Breakdowns Across Midwest Markets
At the Arthur auction in Illinois, premium small square bales of alfalfa averaged $12.50 per bale across 18 bales. Premium small square bales of alfalfa and grass mix averaged $11.50 per bale for a total of 30 bales, while a similar quantity of clover and grass mix averaged $7.00 per bale.
In Pipestone, Minnesota, conventional hay prices varied widely by quality and bale type. Good-quality large round alfalfa bales averaged $260.00 per ton, while fair-quality alfalfa ranged from $130.00 to $190.00 per ton, averaging $145.29. Good-quality alfalfa and grass mix in large round bales averaged $219.91 per ton, with fair-quality lots averaging $96.70 per ton. Grass hay in large round bales brought an average of $181.85 per ton for good quality and $126.73 per ton for fair quality.
Shipshewana auctions in Indiana recorded premium 3×4 large square bales of alfalfa and grass mix at an average of $320.00 per ton. Good-quality alfalfa and grass mix in large round bales averaged $226.67 per ton, while mixed grass in good-to-premium large round bales averaged $256.67 per ton.
Frequently Asked Questions About Midwest Hay Auctions
What caused the sharp drop in volume at the Arthur auction?
USDA reports attribute the drop to extremely limited regional supply, which restricted total volume to 78 bales compared to 224 bales the previous week.
Were straw volumes reported at these Midwest auctions?
Straw volume was zero at Arthur, while Pipestone recorded 21 tons of straw and Shipshewana reported zero tons for the mid-October 2026 reporting period.
How do USDA price reports account for unlisted sales?
The USDA notes that published prices reflect the majority of offered classes and qualities, though certain individual sales may be excluded if they do not meet specific reporting criteria.
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