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 1145c tlw