Ohio sits at the intersection of corn belt agriculture and the eastern hay-producing belt, making it a moderately well-supplied hay market. The state's diverse agricultural landscape — from the highly productive western glaciated plains to the hill country of southeastern Ohio — creates significant regional variation in hay availability and price. Small-farm owners in Ohio have access to good local supply if they know where to look.
Common Hay Types in Ohio
- Mixed grass hay: The most common Ohio hay — typically orchard grass, bluegrass, and fescue blends with varying legume content. Quality varies more widely than in single-species fields but is generally appropriate for beef cattle and most livestock at maintenance.
- Orchard grass: Particularly well-produced in central and eastern Ohio. Good horse hay market in this region drives quality competition.
- Alfalfa: Well-established in western Ohio, particularly in the flat, well-drained counties west of Columbus (Darke, Mercer, Auglaize, and adjacent counties). Western Ohio alfalfa is good quality and reasonably priced compared to eastern states.
- Timothy: Available across the state; premium-priced for horse buyers. More common in northern Ohio than southern.
- Straw: Ohio is a significant wheat and oat straw producer — not hay, but worth knowing as a bedding source and potential hay-stretching supplement for cattle in winter.
2025 Hay Prices in Ohio
| Hay Type | Small Square (per bale) | Round Bale (per bale) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mixed grass (1st cut) | $5–$10 | $55–$100 | Affordable in agricultural counties |
| Orchard grass (2nd cut) | $9–$16 | $85–$140 | Central/east Ohio horse market |
| Alfalfa (western Ohio) | $12–$20 | $110–$185 | Well-priced vs Northeast; good quality |
| Timothy | $11–$19 | $100–$175 | Horse-market premium; northern Ohio best source |
| Mixed grass-alfalfa | $9–$17 | $85–$155 | Widely available statewide |
Ohio prices are moderately competitive — lower than the Northeast and mid-Atlantic, higher than the central Plains. Western Ohio alfalfa is a notable value for buyers willing to make the drive from eastern population centers. The Columbus and Cleveland metro fringe areas tend to have higher prices and shorter supply than rural agricultural counties.
Finding Local Hay in Ohio
- Ohio State University Extension: OSU Extension has county offices statewide and is a reliable starting point for local hay producer referrals. The OSU forage program also publishes hay market price data periodically.
- Ohio Farm Bureau: County farm bureaus often have referral networks for local hay producers. ofbf.org
- Ohio Department of Agriculture: Agricultural directories at agri.ohio.gov.
- Hay Exchange and local classifieds: HayExchange.com and local Facebook farm groups are active, particularly June–September.
- Amish farm communities: Wayne, Holmes, Tuscarawas, and adjacent counties in northeast Ohio have large Amish agricultural communities that produce significant quantities of well-managed small square hay. This is often excellent quality at competitive prices — worth seeking out if you're in the region.
Ohio Seasonal Timing
Ohio's climate (Zone 5b–6b) typically produces 2–3 hay cuttings:
- First cutting: Late May to mid-June in most of Ohio; a week or two later in the northern counties near Lake Erie.
- Second cutting: Mid-July to early August.
- Third cutting: September in good years, particularly in southern Ohio.
Ohio weather during first cutting can be challenging — the May–June window in northern Ohio frequently includes significant rain, and rained-on first cuttings are common in wet years. Second cutting typically comes in better summer drying conditions. For horse buyers prioritizing quality, second-cut Ohio orchard grass is often a more reliable choice than first cut in years with difficult spring weather.