Wow! Third cut alfafa does not go for that much here. We have 200 bales on order for 2 bucks a bale. It is a timothy grass mix. Gosh, I feel bad for you horse owners, that have to pay that price.
I pay $2 a bale out of the field and $3 a bale out of the barn. If I need to get it from the Co-op they charge $4.50 a bale. $6 a bale is high. WHen I was in MI last week they were just doing their first cutting.
It wasn't this expensive before the drought. I could pick up excellent coastal in the field for $2 to 2.50 a bale. Usually, the hay growers around here get 3 cuttings but this year, most of them only got one. Basic supply and demand problem. There will be lots of good horses at cheap prices come October or November. Bargain basement by January. The meat buyers should have another good year. People dump their horses at auction because they don't want to have to feed them through the winter.
I'd drive quite a distance to pick up good hay at $2 a bale.