Hello and welcome Mr. number one badger :)  and yes I was haveing a time with the server error
thingy GRRRRR.
I have been haveing the same ?s , buy now or wait. I think they will go higher towards spring
unless we don't get snow or rain. dry conditions will be on everyones mind. I am reluctant to buy more- go through my hay- and not be able to carry them next summer on pasture. But if we get a good supply of moisture in Jan and Feb
I think that will drive the prices up. 
Prices seem to rise anyway between now and spring-just the carrying or feeding costs
Looking at it that way, ask yourself how much you will put into each cow per day, till they calf.
I don't want to run the risk of being short of hay, drought sticking around or the death loss.
I would hate to buy now and take them to a fire sale in the spring
Guess I'll wait till Feb or March and pay the premium.
OR If it's looking like a drought , hang with what we have and ride it out.