TO_LS150 Kearney, NE Thu May 06, 2021 USDA-NE Dept Ag Market News Wyoming, Western and Central Nebraska and Western South Dakota 2021 Annual Grazing Fee Report as of May 06, 2021 Summer grass lease price for cow/calf pairs in Western Wyoming were mostly steady. Central and Eastern Wyoming steady to 4.00 higher. Western and Central Nebraska steady to 5.00 higher and Western South Dakota 10.00 higher. Yearling grass rent in Western Wyoming was steady, Central and Eastern Wyoming steady to 2.00 higher. Western and Central Nebraska mostly steady instances 5.00 higher. Western South Dakota fully steady. The main topic of conversation on calls this year was the drought conditions across the reporting areas. Several reports that stocking rates have been cut as landowners are conservationist and know they must take care of the land. Few, contacts said they are taking zero cattle to summer grass. All hope that the rains will come this summer, or the snow will fall in the winter that will replenish the grass so next years’ grazing will be outstanding. These lands also take care of several different wild species that roam across Wyoming, Nebraska, and South Dakota. Pasture and range report from NASS week ending May 2, 2021 in Wyoming is at 18% for good to excellent with last year at 64%. Nebraska comes in at 41% for good to excellent with last year at 71%. South Dakota pasture and range are 17% good to excellent compared to 68% in 2020. Topsoil moisture in Wyoming is at 47% (81% in 2020), 68% adequate in Nebraska (69% 2020), and 33% adequate in South Dakota (73% in 2020). Stock water supplies in Wyoming rated at 66% adequate (92% in 2020). Stock water supplies are no longer reported by NASS for Nebraska and South Dakota. Wyoming NRCS weekly snow report for May 3, 2021. Snowpack/snow water equivalents is 89% of median with basin low of 57% and basin high of 129%. Last year state median was 99% and in 2019 was 109%. 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. Some landlords will furnish salt but mineral is up to the tenants. 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. 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-- --2021-- --2020-- Western Wyoming 18.00-40.00 18.00-35.00 Mostly 25.00-35.00 Mostly 25.00-35.00 Instances 40.00 Instances 40.00 Eastern and 22.00-45.00, 18.00-45.00, Central Wyoming Mostly 30.00-35.00 Mostly 25.00-35.00 Western Nebraska 40.00-70.00 35.00-60.00 Mostly 45.00-55.00 Mostly 40.00-50.00 Instances 65.00-70.00 Instances 65.00 Central Nebraska 55.00-80.00 50.00-80.00 Mostly 60.00-70.00 Mostly 55.00-65.00 Some 75.00-80.00 Some 2.00-3.00 per day SW/NW South Dakota 40.00-65.00 30.00-50.00, Mostly 50.00 Mostly 30.00-45.00 Instances 60.00-65.00 Instances 60.00-65.00 --Yearlings-- --2021-- --2020 - Western Wyoming 15.00-24.00 16.00-26.00 Mostly 20.00-22.00 Mostly 20.00-22.00 Eastern and 16.00-30.00, 18.00-30.00 Central Wyoming Mostly 22.00-25.00 Mostly 20.00-25.00 Few, .80-.85 per day Few. .35-.50 per lb gain Western Nebraska 25.00-40.00 25.00-40.00 Central Nebraska 27.00-40.00 27.00-33.00 Replacement Hfrs 42.00 S.W. South Dakota 20.00-45.00 22.00-30.00 Mostly 30.00 Mostly 30.00 Few 45.00 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-NE Dept of Ag Market News, Kearney, NE Thomas Walthers OIC 308-390-5399 Office email: Thomas.walthers@usda.gov www.ams.usda.gov/mnreports/to_ls150.txt 1500c tlw