There is a hay dealer fairly close to me. I am fortunate in that regard. He has to travel all over the country tho to buy it now for resale. He has all kinds and seems to never run out, but he unfortunately has to pass the cost on the buyers. Coastal hay, (good) is 9.50 plus per bale here, alfalfa is 11.50 - 13.50 per bale. Round bales are 95.00 - 100.00 but is really good hay! Needless to say bagged feed is up considerably too and continues to go up each week it seems. Omalene 200 is now 12.50- 12.75 per bag.
As long as I can find the hay I will feed it. I use beet pulp too but mostly in the winter (summer) to keep them hydrated so they do not colic. I have found tho., that cutting the amount of hay they get does seem to effect their weight at all, but of course the quality of it will. Sometimes they simply eat more and poop more but does not show in overall weight or condition.
Good luck in your search, I know it is tough, some places simply don't have hay or good hay at all. Like I said, I'm lucky....so far.