If you have horses, livestock, or other grazing animals to feed, you know that a steady supply of quality hay is an absolute must. Many rural residents turn to retailer Tractor Supply for their hay needs, thanks to the company‘s wide reach with over 2,000 stores across 49 states. But just how much can you expect to pay for a bale of hay at Tractor Supply? And what other hay products and alternatives does the farm and ranch retailer offer?
As an avid comparison shopper and hay connoisseur myself, I dug deep into Tractor Supply‘s hay offerings to bring you the most detailed and up-to-date pricing information. I‘ll reveal exactly how much Tractor Supply charges for different types of hay bales, share some money-saving tips, and let you know how their selection and prices stack up to other retailers. By the end, you‘ll be armed with all the knowledge you need to keep your four-legged friends well-fed with hay from Tractor Supply or beyond.
Types of Hay Available at Tractor Supply
First, let‘s go over the basics: Yes, Tractor Supply does indeed sell hay as of 2023. You can find hay for sale both in Tractor Supply stores and on their website, though the exact selection may vary by location. Tractor Supply carries several types of hay to meet the various needs of horses, cattle, goats, and other livestock:
Grass Hay Bales
The most common type of hay sold at Tractor Supply is the traditional square grass bale, typically a two-string bale secured with twine. These bales usually weigh 40-50 pounds and measure about 16" x 22" x 44". Grass hay is used as a maintenence feed for many animals and can also serve as bedding or mulch.
The grass hay at Tractor Supply is usually locally sourced from nearby farms, so the exact grass mix will vary. Common types include coastal Bermuda, orchard, timothy, and clover. The cut and quality of the hay can also differ from bale to bale. In general, look for green, fresh-smelling hay without excess dust, weeds, or mold.
Alfalfa Hay
In addition to grass hay, Tractor Supply also sells alfalfa hay, a higher-protein legume hay that is often fed to horses, dairy cows, and growing livestock. At Tractor Supply, you‘ll most commonly find alfalfa hay sold as 50-pound square bales. Some stores also carry alfalfa mini-bales, usually 20-30 pounds.
Hay Pellets and Cubes
For easier storage and feeding, Tractor Supply offers hay in compressed pellet and cube form as well. Hay pellets are made from finely chopped hay that is compressed into small cylindrical pellets. Hay cubes are similar but are larger, usually about 1.5 inch squares. Tractor Supply sells timothy, alfalfa, and orchard grass hay pellets and cubes from brands like Standlee and Dumor.
Chopped Forage and Hay Blends
You can also find bags of chopped hay forage and hay blends mixed with other ingredients at Tractor Supply. These products combine hay with things like molasses, grains, or vitamins for added nutrition and palatability. Chopped hay forage is a shorter cut than traditional hay that some animals may find easier to chew.
Hay Blocks and Treats
Tractor Supply rounds out their hay selection with a few specialty items like compressed hay blocks and treats. Hay blocks, which contain chopped hay and other binding ingredients, are designed to provide continual feeding and prevent boredom. Hay-based treats usually contain things like apple or carrot pieces and can be fed by hand.
Tractor Supply Hay Prices: Bales, Pellets, and More
Now that you know the kinds of hay Tractor Supply stocks, let‘s get into the nitty gritty: Exactly how much will a bale or bag of hay cost you there? Hay prices at Tractor Supply can fluctuate based on market conditions, but here are some general price ranges to give you an idea of what to expect.
Grass Hay Bale Prices at Tractor Supply
A standard 40-50 lb two-string grass hay bale at Tractor Supply will generally cost between $10 and $15. I found Tractor Supply stores in my area selling Bermuda grass hay bales for $11.99.
Alfalfa Hay Prices
Because of its higher protein content, alfalfa hay bales are typically a bit pricier than grass bales. At Tractor Supply, a 50 lb bale of alfalfa hay averages around $20. Alfalfa mini bales may cost $7-$9 each.
Hay Pellet and Cube Prices
A 40 lb bag of timothy, orchard, or alfalfa hay pellets or cubes at Tractor Supply will usually fall in the $15-$20 price range. For example, Standlee timothy hay pellets are currently $16.99 for 40 lbs on the Tractor Supply website.
Hay Blend Prices
Bags of chopped hay forage and hay blends are comparably priced to hay pellets at Tractor Supply. Expect to pay around $18-$25 for a 40 lb bag. Dumor markets a mixed grass forage in a 40 lb bag for $18.99.
Hay Block and Treat Prices
Compressed hay blocks are one of the pricier hay products at Tractor Supply, since they are fortified with other ingredients. A 25 lb Standlee hay block is about $22. Smaller-quantity hay treats usually cost $8-$15, like Apple Strudel biscuits at $9.99 for 15 oz.
How to Save Money on Hay at Tractor Supply
Looking to score a deal on hay at Tractor Supply? While you likely won‘t find steep discounts, there are still a few ways you can shave down the price per bale or bag:
Buy hay bales in bulk. Many Tractor Supply stores offer a slight price break if you buy multiple bales at once, so stock up if you have the storage space. For example, my local store takes 50 cents off per bale if you buy 10 or more.
Take advantage of the Neighbor‘s Club rewards program. If you shop regularly at Tractor Supply, signing up for their free Neighbor‘s Club can earn you points towards future hay purchases. Members get 1 point per $1 spent, and 100 points equals a $5 reward. Neighbor‘s Club members may also receive special coupons and offers for hay and other livestock feed.
Keep an eye out for end-of-season clearance sales. Like most retailers, Tractor Supply will sometimes discount products that are being rotated out for new inventory. This can be a great opportunity to get some low-priced hay bales or bags, though you‘ll have to use them within a reasonable timeframe. Selection will be hit-or-miss, as these sales are first come, first served.
Price compare to other local and online retailers. While Tractor Supply is a convenient hay source, it doesn‘t hurt to shop around a bit, especially if price is your top concern. Independent farm and feed stores often have very competitive hay prices when compared to big chains like Tractor Supply. See the next section for tips on finding alternative hay sources in your area.
Where Else to Buy Hay Besides Tractor Supply
Although Tractor Supply is a major hay supplier, savvy shoppers know that having multiple sources is ideal for getting the best variety and value. Luckily, there are usually quite a few other places to buy quality hay:
Local Feed Stores and Farm Co-Ops
Seeking out locally-owned feed and farm supply stores is one of the best ways to find hay at great prices. Many of these shops pride themselves on offering hay bales for less than big chains. It‘s not uncommon to see bales for $2-$4 cheaper than Tractor Supply. Plus you‘ll be supporting other small businesses in your community.
Hay and Straw Directory Listings
There are a couple of national online directories that many hay farmers use to advertise their products. Websites like HayExchange.com and HayList.org let you browse hay listings by state and county to find local suppliers, many of whom offer delivery to farms and stables.
Craigslist Farm & Garden
The Farm & Garden section on your local Craigslist page is another great resource for hay. Many sellers list hay for pickup at their farm or can arrange a drop-off. You may be able to negotiate a better deal than retail on large quantities. As with any Craigslist transaction, just be sure to stay safe by meeting in public and bringing a friend.
Facebook Marketplace
Much like Craigslist, the marketplace feature on Facebook has a category for hay where local farmers often post their harvest for sale. Join some farming and livestock-related groups in your area to get in the loop about who has hay available and for how much.
Hay Auctions
For those willing to buy hay in serious bulk, auction houses are another avenue to explore. You can find hay-specific auctions as well as general livestock auctions that also sell hay. Prices aren‘t always cheaper than stores, but the selection and quality can be excellent. Auction houses increasingly offer online bidding as well for remote buyers.
Factors That Affect Hay Prices
Hay prices are notoriously variable from year to year. Understanding the factors that influence hay costs can help you better anticipate how much you‘ll need to budget for your animals‘ food. Some of the biggest variables in the price of hay include:
Weather and Rainfall
Wet or dry weather extremes are one of the top influencers of hay prices and availability in any given season. Too much rainfall can delay cutting and baling, lowering the nutritional quality of the hay. Overly dry conditions and droughts can dramatically reduce hay yields. Expect prices to rise following a subpar hay season.
Fuel and Transportation Costs
Making and transporting hay is fairly energy-intensive, so prices tend to rise along with gas and diesel costs. When fuel prices spike, hay prices usually follow suit as farmers seek to recoup their higher production expenses.
Regional Hay Supply and Demand
Hay is one of those products where prices can vary significantly by region, since it is expensive to transport very far. If there is a hay shortage in your local area, costs will likely be higher than average. Conversely, a bumper crop can keep prices more reasonable thanks to the abundant local supply. Some areas are perennially low on hay and will always be on the higher end of the price spectrum.
The Bottom Line
Tractor Supply remains a reliable source for hay bales and other packaged hay products in a pinch. Most Tractor Supply stores carry square bales of mixed grass and alfalfa hay priced at $10-$20 for a 40-50 lb bale. For easier handling and storage, you can also find pelleted and cubed hay in 40 lb bags for around $16-$25.
However, Tractor Supply isn‘t always the cheapest hay option out there. To get the best deals on this staple for your horses and livestock, it pays to have a few different hay sources up your sleeve. Local feed stores, hay supplier directories, online classifieds, and auctions are all worth exploring to maximize your hay dollar.
Of course, hay prices are always going to ebb and flow along with the weather patterns and harvest yields in your region. But by staying flexible in where you shop, buying strategically, and perhaps trying a few different hay varieties, you can keep your animals happily fed without breaking the bank.
