What Horse Owners Should Know Right Now

Hay prices can feel unpredictable. One year they drop slightly, and the next they climb quickly.

Right now, many horse owners and barns are asking the same question:

Are hay prices going to go up again?

Based on current conditions, there are several reasons experts believe prices could rise in 2026.

Drought Is Already Affecting Supply

Weather is the biggest driver of hay production.

As of early 2026, about 42% of U.S. hay-producing land is experiencing drought conditions.

In places like Colorado and across the West, low snowpack means less water for irrigation. When water is limited, hay yields drop. Simply put, less hay produced = less supply available.

And when supply drops, prices tend to rise.

Wildfires Are Removing Feed Sources

Wildfires are another major factor this year.

Recent fires across the U.S. have already burned a million acres of grazing land, removing natural forage for livestock.

When pasture is lost, ranchers and livestock owners turn to hay to replace it. That sudden increase in demand puts pressure on an already tight market.

Heat and Dry Conditions Are Making Things Worse

Early and extreme heat is compounding the issue.

Large parts of the western United States are already experiencing record-breaking temperatures and worsening drought conditions, which increase wildfire risk and reduce soil moisture.

Hot, dry conditions don’t just reduce how much hay grows. They can also affect quality, making it harder to find horse-safe forage.

Production Costs Remain High

Even when hay is available, it costs more to produce.

Farmers are facing:

• higher fuel costs
• increased fertilizer prices
• rising labor expenses

These costs make it more expensive to grow and harvest hay, and those increases are often passed along to buyers.

Prices May Look Stable, But That Can Change Quickly

National averages suggest that hay prices have been relatively steady so far.

For example:

• Average alfalfa hay was about $160 per ton in early 2026
• Other hay averaged around $131 per ton

But averages don’t tell the full story.

Local shortages, transportation costs, and quality differences can push prices much higher, especially for horse-quality hay.

In Colorado, some projections suggest hay could reach $400 per ton in severe conditions.

What This Means for Horse Owners

If you care for horses, these trends matter.

You may see:

• higher hay prices later in the year
• tighter availability of high-quality hay
• increased boarding costs
• more competition for supply

Planning Ahead

While no one can predict exact prices, the signals are clear:

• drought
• wildfire damage
• rising costs
• increased demand

Together, they point toward a market that could tighten quickly.

Planning ahead, securing hay early, and building relationships with reliable suppliers can help reduce uncertainty.

Because when it comes to horses in Colorado, hay isn’t optional. It’s essential.

Presented in partnership with HayBuy. HayBuy is a sponsor and partner of Colorado Horse Rescue.