WY, Western NE & SW SD Annual Grazing Fee Report (Mar/Apr)
Past Market Reports
Report Date: 5/8/2020
TO_LS150
Torrington, WY Fri May 08, 2020 USDA-WY Dept Ag Market News
Wyoming, Western and Central Nebraska and Western South Dakota
2020 Annual Grazing Fee Report as of May 08, 2020
Summer grass lease price for cow/calf pairs in Wyoming were mostly
steady. Western and Central Nebraska and Western South Dakota mostly
steady. Yearling grass rent in Wyoming was steady to instances 1.00
higher. Western and Central Nebraska and Western South Dakota steady to
weak. Some cattlemen turned grass back to the owners in some areas of
Nebraska, especially after the markets fell like a lead balloon in the
spring of 2020. Cattlemen searched for cheaper grass and some found it,
while others are kicking pairs out in a small trap and using the feed
truck on a daily basis. Being a landlord is a tough business as taxes,
fence and well repairs are high. One must have an ?x? amount of money per
acre to pay for all the needs that the landlord is responsible for. Many
landlords have fell on tough times themselves and are trying to work with
many longtime leases to make it profitable for both parties. Few contacts
stated if they had known the sharp decline in the market was on the
horizon, they would not have signed the 2020 grazing contact at
negotiated price. They would have tried to negotiate a lower price.
Most of the higher prices are for full care while the lower prices
the tenant is required to fix the fence, look after the water and other
things for the summer grass. Grass is slow to grow as unseasonal cool
temperatures with some late frost have prevailed this spring across the
reporting areas. Most reporting areas are in good shape for moisture.
However, some areas of North Central Wyoming and areas at along the
Nebraska and Kansas boarder are abnormally dry. A little more readily
available grass was on offer this year in some areas of Nebraska. 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. Few more per day
rentals were turned in for the central areas of Nebraska.
Pasture and range report from NASS week ending May 3, in Wyoming is
at 64 percent for good to excellent with last year at 51 percent.
Nebraska comes in at 71 percent for good to excellent with last year at
80 percent. South Dakota pasture and range are 68 percent good or better
compared to 61 percent in 2019.
Topsoil moisture in Wyoming is at 81 percent adequate (85 percent in
2019), 69 percent adequate in Nebraska (78 percent 2019), and 73 percent
adequate in South Dakota (63 percent 2019).
Stock water supplies in Wyoming rated at 92 percent adequate (86
percent 2019). Stock water supplies are no longer reported by NASS for
Nebraska and South Dakota.
Wyoming NRCS weekly snow report for May 4, 2020. Snow for this week
weighted state average (area) is 81% with a low of 0% and a high of 110%.
Same week last year state average was 83% with a low of 10% and a high of
119%.
Prices quoted for cow/calf pairs are per unit/per month, and for
yearlings per head/per month. Most contracts are for a 5-month season.
--Cow/Calf Pairs--
--2020-- --2019--
Western Wyoming 18.00-35.00 18.00-35.00
Mostly 25.00-30.00 Mostly 25.00-35.00
Instances 40.00 Instances 40.00
Eastern and 18.00-45.00, 20.00-45.00,
Central Wyoming Mostly 25.00-35.00 Mostly 30.00-35.00
Western Nebraska 35.00-60.00 28.00-60.00
Mostly 40.00-50.00 Mostly 40.00-50.00
Instances 65.00 Instances 65.00-70.00
Central Nebraska 50.00-80.00 50.00-70.00
Mostly 55.00-65.00 Mostly 55.00-65.00
Some 2.00-3.00 per day Instances 75.00-80.00
SW/NW South Dakota 30.00-50.00 35.00-50.00,
Mostly 30.00-45.00 Instances 60.00
Instances 60.00-65.00
--Yearlings--
--2020-- --2019 -
Western Wyoming 16.00-26.00 15.00-25.00
Mostly 20.00-22.00 Mostly 20.00-22.00
Eastern and 18.00-30.00, 18.00-30.00
Central Wyoming Mostly 20.00-25.00 Mostly 20.00-25.00
Few, .38-.50 lb per gain
Western Nebraska 25.00-40.00 25.00-40.00
Central Nebraska 27.00-33.00 27.00-37.50
Replacement Hfrs 42.00
S.W. South Dakota 22.00-30.00 20.00-35.00
Mostly 30.00 Mostly 30.00
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/minerals, etc. While on the lower end of the price range cattle
owners are responsible for these services. Sheep to cattle pasture
ratios are usually 6 to 1.
Source: USDA-WY Dept of Ag Market News, Torrington, WY
Thomas Walthers and Kaye Orton, 308-390-5399/307-532-4146
24 Hour Market News Recording 307-532-7200
Office email: torringtonwy-LPSMNLS@ams.usda.gov
Thomas.walthers@usda.gov
www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/to_ls150.txt
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