Hay is most commonly a grass or legume that is cut before it has gone to seed for the purpose of feeding livestock (cattle, horses, sheep and goats).  It is cut, tedded, raked and baled in dry weather to prevent damage and the danger of fire when stored in a hayloft.  The photo below shows hay that has been tedded and now raked into windrows preparing for baling.

The most current US Hay and Straw Price Survey information data is as follows in U.S. dollars per ton (2,000 lbs):

• Date: 7/17/24
• State: PA
• Region: New Holland
  • Alfalfa Price: $195.0 to $320.0
  • Mixed Hay Price: $75.0 to $460.0
  • Timothy Price: $0.0 to $0.0
  • Grass Price: $0.0 to $0.0
  • Straw Price: $130.0 to $165.0

There are four common sizes of bales of hay:

• 2 string square bales: 14"x18"x"36"   
• 3 wire square bales: 16"x22"x44"   
• Large square bales: 3' x 4' x8'  
• Round bales:  48" wide and 60" in diameter