U.S. dairy exports finished what was an already stellar year with gusto, according to a monthly market update from the U.S. Dairy Export Council (USDEC).

Idaho Hay and Forage Association President Will Ricks joins us today on the podcast. Will raises hay for Idaho livestock, as well as for the export markets. Hay has become Idaho’s #2 field crop in 2022, edging past wheat for the first time.

Here’s Progressive Forage’s monthly look at factors impacting hay markets for January 2023.

Dairy heifer and hay export volumes were weaker in November.

Dairy heifer and hay export volumes were lower in October.

Whether buying or selling hay, there’s plenty to unwrap as the calendar year comes to a close.

Dairy heifer and embryo and hay export totals were lower.

The 2022 hay crop has been made. Those marketing and moving it face plenty of challenges.

The most striking factors driving hay markets are related to alfalfa exports, domestic prices for dairy-quality hay and an early start to the supplemental feeding season in drought areas.

The Western drought sent regional hay prices higher, especially for dairy-quality hay. Demand from China pushed alfalfa exports to an 11-month high, but global sales of other hay continued to slump.