USDA U.S. Department of Agriculture - May 8, 2024
TO_LS150
Kearney, NE Wed May 08, 2024 USDA-NE Dept Ag Market News
Wyoming (WY), Western and Central Nebraska (NE) and Western South
Dakota (SD)
2024 Annual Grazing Fee Report as of May 08, 2024
Compared to last year, summer grass lease price for cow/calf pairs per
month in Western Wyoming steady. Eastern/Central Wyoming steady to 5.00 higher.
Western and Central Nebraska steady to 10.00 higher and Western South
Dakota steady. Yearling grass rent across Western Wyoming was steady.
Eastern/Central WY unevenly steady. Nebraska mostly steady to 5.00
higher and South Dakota was steady. Intersting that grass prices would
increase in some areas with the lowest cow numbers in several years per USDA
NASS across the reporting regions. However, with higher prices being paid for
calves and feeder cattle along with increased taxes some land owners decided
to capture a little more cash and increase the per month charge for leasees.
Some land leases are for several years especially on BLM ground. Some cattlemen
continue to have summer grass offered to them and they are renting it and
saving some of there personal owned grass just incase it turns dry they will
have a backup plan and grass to utilize. With drought in some areas the last
few years, has taken a toll on grass conditions and a rest wont hurt them.
U.S. Drought Monitor shows dryness in the NW and SE corners of Wyoming. The
reporting areas of Nebraska and SW South Dakota are free from drought at
press time. Hay supplies are in good shape with many producers having to
carry over hay in the reporting regions. First time in a few years where
this has happened.
Pasture and range report from NASS week ending May 05, 2024 in Wyoming
is at 51% for good to excellent with last year at 47%. Nebraska comes in
at 70% for good to excellent with last year at 2%. South Dakota pasture
and range are 70% good to excellent compared to 14% in 2023.
Topsoil moisture in Wyoming is at 66% adequate (55% in 2023), 68%
adequate in Nebraska (32% 2023), and 75% adequate in South Dakota (53% in
2023).
Stock water supplies in Wyoming rated at 94% adequate (67% in 2023).
Stock water supplies are no longer reported by NASS for Nebraska and
South Dakota.
Wyoming NRCS weekly snow report for April 29, 2024. Snowpack/snow water
median is 86% with basin low of 0% and basin high of 103%. Last year
state median was 136% and in 2022 was 93%.
Prices quoted for cow/calf pairs are per unit/per month, and
for yearlings per head/per month.
--Cow/Calf Pairs--
--2024-- --2023--
Western Wyoming 30.00-55.00 30.00-45.00
Mostly 30.00-45.00
Eastern and 35.00-55.00 30.00-50.00
Central Wyoming Mostly 35.00-45.00 Mostly 35.00
Western Nebraska 55.00-80.00 50.00-70.00
Mostly 65.00-75.00 Mostly 60.00-70.00
Central Nebraska 60.00-110.00 50.00-100.00
Mostly 70.00-100.00 Mostly 65.00-80.00
Instances 110.00 Instances 95.00-100.00
SW/NW South Dakota 45.00-90.00 45.00-90.00
Mostly 55.00-65.00 Mostly 60.00-65.00
Instances 90.00 Instances 90.00
Along the NE boarder Along NE boarder
--Yearlings--
--2024-- --2023 -
Western Wyoming 18.00-26.00 20.00-26.00
Mostky 22.00-24.00
Eastern and 24.00-40.00 25.00-36.00
Central Wyoming Mostly 26.00-30.00 Mostly 27.00-33.00
Instances 40.00
Western Nebraska 28.00-40.50 33.00-40.50
Mostly 1.10-1.25 per day
Central Nebraska 30.00-45.00 30.00-40.00
S.W. South Dakota 25.00-50.00 20.00-50.00
Mostly 25.00-40.00 Mostly 25.00-30.00
Instances 50.00 Instances 50.00
Note: Lease contracts vary widely even within specific areas.
Generally, the high end of the price range requires landlords to
maintain fences, check windmills/ponds/stock water, cattle, provide
salt etc. While on the lower end of the price range cattle owners are
responsible for these services. Most of the leases are based on a 5-month
grazing season with some of the higher elevation ranges around 100-120
days grazing periods. Sheep to cattle pasture ratios are usually 6 to 1.
Source: USDA-NE Dept of Ag Market News, Kearney, NE
Thomas Walthers OIC 308-390-5399
Office email: Thomas.walthers@usda.gov
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