International & National Summary – Grain:
- The US government finally reopened the office and increased the debt ceiling however the market acknowledges that at some point the US economic situation will have to be addressed. Wheat has traded up this week on the back of a sharp fall in the US dollar and subsequent rise in the Australian dollar. CBOT December futures ended the week up 7.25 USc/bu to close on Monday night at 699.75USc/bu.
- The Australian dollar continues to find strength, offsetting any potential gains made from the US futures throughout the week. The dollar closed at 97.06 US cents culminating to the highest point in the last two months.
- The big move in Wheat futures over the weekend was on the back of an incorrect production estimate from the Argentinian ag ministry. The forecast of 8.8 mill t was well down on the 10.35 mill t from the Buenos Aires Grain Exchange sending ripples through the market. It was announced on Monday night the figure was incorrect, but the correct estimate has not yet been released. These inconsistencies in market production estimates sees the November USDA report keenly anticipated. With the WASDE report from USDA missed in October any global stock estimate reductions in the November report will be supportive of the market moving into 2014.
- The last week has seen the Australian domestic grain production come into question when it was considered many areas were almost home. The extent of frost damage throughout Northern Victoria and Southern New South Wales is yet to be confirmed but it is apparent that potential yield has been severely impacted. The same regions have not received the finishing spring rain they required to cement estimated yields. ACF’s monthly report has indicated lower yields in Queensland than originally estimated as well as downgrades in Northern NSW. National wheat production estimates have been reduced from 25.9 to 25.1 mill t but expect this to be further reduced again.
- The harvest continues to advance south through Australia progressing into central NSW. Yields in the northern states are below average on a whole and competition in the feed market is providing market premiums. The export trade seems content not to compete with the prices feed and miller markets are executing at. Growers are satisfied to sit on harvested grain at current rates forcing feedlots and domestic users to pay premiums to the market to guarantee supply.
- Barley prices remain weak relative to wheat and as the spread continues to open up feed barley has quickly become a cheap commodity in comparison. With the current spread moving between $65 and $70 since September barley is a more affordable option. To put this into context throughout harvest last year the spread between APW1 and F1 barely was $53 throughout the November/December harvest period.
- There may be the opportunity to pick up old season parcels of grain in southern Australia before harvest commences as growers look to clean up the previous years stock. As majority of the old season domestic trade seems to be occurring out of on farm storage continue to be vigilant about quality checks.
National Summary – Hay:
- We are currently seeing large variations in hay trading activity across all regions as the new seasons crop becomes available. As this early trading activity continues we are getting initial indications of the new seasons prices however it should be noted that many of these prices are speculative and will become more definitive as the season progresses.
- Dry conditions in northern Australia continue to fuel a strong demand for fodder. Hay supplies are limited, particularly in Northern NSW and QLD, a situation started by low carryover of last season’s crop and further stressed by active purchasing behind the baler for new season hay supplies.
- Reports of large quantities of wheat and barley crops affected by last week’s frost has seen of significant interest in hay production south of Dubbo extending south to Northern Victoria. If cut straight away the quality and colour should be good, however there is a lot of pressure on local contractors who are struggling to meet the inflated demand. If left too long quality may be variable.
- Frosted cereal hay coming onto the market will present good opportunities for growers and buyers to re-stock empty haysheds and is likely to soften the price of cereal hay on the domestic market in these regions in the coming weeks.
- New season Lucerne hay is becoming available in limited quantities on the northern market; accordingly this market has softened slightly in Queensland. However protein hay in bulk continues to be difficult to source and there is likely to be a shortage again in 2014.
- In the southern market there are reports of the silage harvest being down on average this year. This is seeing some buyers make purchases of vetch hay now, to meet their demand for protein hay next year.
- In the southern dairy regions, including South East South Australia rains in the past few weeks continues to shorten the winter for fodder conservation by pushing the season back. It is likely silage production will be down this year and there is likely to be increased haylage and hay production later in the year.
- Last week we reported that there is a growing likelihood of shortages of some fodder types in 2014. While it is still predicted that this is going to be the case for protein hay, reports of frosted cereal crops being cut in Southern NSW and Northern Victoria is likely to boost cereal hay supplies in the domestic market.
- Fodder analysis results to date are showing high levels of variability in the quality of hay. As usual we recommend buyers get a feed analysis before making any hay purchases.
- Given the variability in the current market growers are considering their options for marketing new season hay and will be re-stocking their own sheds before trading any hay.
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This report has been commissioned by Dairy Australia to provide an independent and timely assessment of grain and hay markets in each dairying region. It should be remembered that actual prices may vary for quality or other reasons. All prices are quoted are exclusive of GST.
The information in this report is collected and disseminated with due care and attention to its accuracy, but Dairy Australia accepts no liability if, for any reason, the information is inaccurate, incomplete or out of date.
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25 October 2013 |
Grain |
||||||||
|
Wheat |
Barley |
Maize |
Sorghum |
||||||
|
Price Range |
$349 |
$359 |
$400 |
$410 |
$418 |
$428 |
$313 |
$323 |
|
|
Change |
$5 |
-$5 |
$5 |
$10 |
|||||
|
Price Range |
$310 |
$320 |
$299 |
$309 |
$355 |
$365 |
$283 |
$293 |
|
|
Change |
$7 |
-$5 |
$5 |
$8 |
|||||
|
Price Range |
$359 |
$369 |
$351 |
$361 |
$400 |
$410 |
$324 |
$334 |
|
|
Change |
$7 |
-$5 |
$5 |
$10 |
|||||
|
Price Range |
$208 |
$218 |
$186 |
$196 |
$375 |
$385 |
$308 |
$318 |
|
|
Change |
-$2 |
-$2 |
$0 |
$4 |
|||||
|
Wheat |
Barley |
Triticale |
Oats |
||||||
|
Price Range |
$233 |
$243 |
$214 |
$224 |
$236 |
$246 |
$218 |
$228 |
|
|
Change |
-$2 |
-$2 |
$5 |
-$10 |
|||||
|
Price Range |
$260 |
$270 |
$211 |
$221 |
$258 |
$268 |
$175 |
$185 |
|
|
Change |
-$13 |
-$3 |
$0 |
-$5 |
|||||
|
Price Range |
$294 |
$304 |
$252 |
$262 |
$288 |
$298 |
$200 |
$210 |
|
|
Change |
-$13 |
-$3 |
$0 |
-$5 |
|||||
|
Price Range |
$273 |
$283 |
$218 |
$228 |
$260 |
$270 |
$186 |
$196 |
|
|
Change |
-$5 |
-$5 |
$0 |
$0 |
|||||
|
Price Range |
$254 |
$264 |
$227 |
$237 |
$230 |
$240 |
$170 |
$180 |
|
|
Change |
$5 |
-$5 |
-$5 |
$0 |
|||||
|
Price Range |
$230 |
$240 |
$204 |
$214 |
$240 |
$250 |
$178 |
$188 |
|
|
Change |
$12 |
-$5 |
-$10 |
-$10 |
|||||
|
Price Range |
$290 |
$300 |
$250 |
$260 |
$270 |
$280 |
$200 |
$210 |
|
|
Change |
-$7 |
-$2 |
$10 |
$5 |
|||||
|
Price Range |
$350 |
$360 |
$310 |
$320 |
$348 |
$358 |
$263 |
$273 |
|
|
Change |
-$10 |
$0 |
$0 |
-$5 |
|||||
|
25 October 2013 |
Hay |
||||||||
|
Cereal |
Lucerne |
Straw |
Pasture |
||||||
|
Price Range |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
$265 |
$285 |
||||
|
Change |
Steady |
||||||||
|
Price Range |
$200 |
$300 |
$280 |
$350 |
$90 |
$110 |
– |
– |
|
|
Change |
-50 |
-$85 |
-$65 |
N/A |
|||||
|
Price Range |
$200 |
$250 |
$280 |
$350 |
– |
– |
$160 |
$180 |
|
|
Change |
-25 |
-$10 |
N/A |
Steady |
|||||
|
Price Range |
$180 |
$200 |
$280 |
$350 |
– |
– |
$145 |
$155 |
|
|
Change |
-20 |
-$50 |
N/A |
Steady |
|||||
|
Price Range |
$200 |
$220 |
$300 |
$350 |
$150 |
$200 |
$160 |
$180 |
|
|
Change |
Steady |
Steady |
-$35 |
Steady |
|||||
|
Price Range |
$190 |
$220 |
$220 |
$260 |
$115 |
$155 |
$150 |
$200 |
|
|
Change |
Steady |
Steady |
Steady |
-$60 |
|||||
|
Price Range |
$200 |
$220 |
$240 |
$280 |
– |
– |
$180 |
$230 |
|
|
Change |
-$15 |
-$15 |
N/A |
Steady |
|||||
|
Price Range |
$180 |
$220 |
$200 |
$250 |
– |
– |
$180 |
$230 |
|
|
Change |
Steady |
Steady |
N/A |
Steady |
|||||
|
Price Range |
$160 |
$200 |
$200 |
$250 |
– |
– |
$180 |
$200 |
|
|
Change |
-$20 |
Steady |
N/A |
Steady |
|||||
|
Price Range |
$140 |
$160 |
$200 |
$250 |
$120 |
$130 |
– |
– |
|
|
Change |
Steady |
Steady |
N/A |
N/A |
|||||
|
Price Range |
$110 |
$200 |
– |
– |
$90 |
$120 |
$110 |
$130 |
|
|
Change |
Steady |
N/A |
Steady |
Steady |
|||||
|
Price Range |
$205 |
$225 |
$300 |
$350 |
$135 |
$145 |
– |
– |
|
|
Change |
Steady |
Steady |
Steady |
N/A |
|||||
- Mareeba October rainfall: 25mm (Ave: 12.2mm).
- Minimal rain this week for the tablelands with a mere 2 millimetres falling in the region
- YTD: 743mm (Ave: 759).
- Wheat: $ +5 ($349 to $359). CQ harvest is all but complete and quality was majority human consumption grades.
- Barley: $ -5 ($400 to $410). Prices have come back with Queensland barley hitting the market.
- Corn prices $ +5 ($418 to $428). Corn prices continue to rise as many dairy farmers look to incorporate it in their feed process.
- Sorghum: $ +10 ($313 to $323). Now that much of the wheat is in warehouse accumulating fees sorghum has regained strength in the feed market.
- Harvest. Sorghum still has a key place in feed rations while new season wheat continues to grade well.
- Local grain has strong competition from beef feedlots pricing many dairy farmers out of the market.
- The tablelands Is experiencing a period of drought and beef cattle are doing it tough currently.
- Demand remains strong for hay, with the cattle stations in drought affected Western Queensland the most active buyers.
- There is still some baling fuelled by strong demand.
- Despite some baling continuing generally the supply of hay is very low. This is the result of dry conditions in Western Queensland putting extra pressure on the hay market for most of this year.
- Prices remain firm but steady this week.
- Toowoomba October Rainfall: 38.8mm (Ave: 64.4mm).
- YTD: 955.2mm (Ave: 563mm), compared to 543.6mm this time last year.
- Variable rains throughout the district with areas getting anywhere from 3-20mm.
- Wheat: $ +7 ($310 to $320). Central downs wheat harvest is getting underway but quantity looks minimal.
- Feed Barley: $ -5 ($299 to $309). Early barley off the paddock is proving to be lightweight.
- Corn $ +5 ($355 to $365). Many dairy farmers are incorporating corn into their feed program increasing demand.
- Sorghum: $ +8 ($283 to $293). Sorghum still presents itself as the cheapest feed grain available.
- Some stressed western wheat crops have been cut for hay.
- Strong competition for feed grain from beef cattle for any standing dry feed.
- Demand for all fodder types remains strong throughout Queensland. Cattle stations in Western Queensland are the most active buyers.
- Overall the local supply of hay is very low. This is due to dry conditions across the state putting pressure on the fodder market.
- New season cereal hay is now becoming available locally, but yields are down and therefore quantities are limited. Following reports this week of frosted cereal crops being baled for hay in NSW the market has eased approximately $50. Cereal hay is now trading at $200-$300 depending on quality and where it is being sourced. Freight is adding a large component to the cost of cereal hay.
- There is very limited bulk lucerne hay available locally. Bulk Lucerne is being sourced in limited quantities from Northern and Central West NSW and Victoria. Trading remains active. Lucerne prices have eased about $85 this week a result of new season Lucerne entering the market.
- There is a lot of interest in baling cereal straw this season. With no rain, the quality so far is good and the feedlots are active buyers. New season straw is now available and resulted in the price softening to about $90-$110. Down $65 on previous weeks.
- Lismore October rainfall total: 17.6mm (Ave: 91mm).
- YTD: 1078mm (Ave: 1003mm), compared to 971mm this time last year.
- Northern rivers area had 10-25mm while the mid north coast was more scattered.
- SFW Wheat: $ +7 ($359 to $369). Wheat has come down following a late reaction to recently harvested milling wheat entering the market from CQ.
- Feed Barley: $ -5 ($351 to $361). Pricing still too close to wheat for use in dairy feeds.
- Corn $ +5 ($400 to $410). Being used to lift energy levels in feed mixes.
- Sorghum: $ +10 ($324 to $334). Sorghum prices up strongly on lightweight barely coming in.
- Expecting wheat prices to ease back from current prices when new western Downs wheat and barley crops coming off.
- Hay trading remains steady driven by the increasingly dry conditions, with the livestock and dairy industries the most active buyers.
- Supply of all hay types is becoming very low and is mostly limited to high grade, high priced cereal hay or low grade pasture hay.
- New season hay is now becoming available but consistent demand means little hay has gone into storage at this stage.
- With reports of large quantities of frosted cereal hay coming onto the market, prices are starting to ease. This week saw a drop of $25 for cereal hay, bringing prices back to around $200-$250/t.
- Supply of Lucerne hay is very low but some new season Lucerne is becoming available in limited quantities from Tamworth and Central West NSW. Prices have eased slightly down $10 on last week, a result of new season hay entering the market.
- Forbes October rainfall: 10.3mm (Ave: 43.4mm).
- YTD: 447mm (Ave: 387mm), compared to 526mm this time last year.
- Central west has a good run through winter and early spring but are experiencing a dry finish.
- SFW Wheat: $ -2 ($208 to $218). Wheat prospects are looking slightly better than barely currently.
- F1 Barley: $ -2 ($186 to $196). It is expected a big barley harvest is currently coming in but beware of lightweight barely.
- Corn $ +0 ($375 to $385). Not being used in feed rations as much as it has been adopted in Queensland.
- Sorghum $ +4 ($308 to $318). Sorghum prices continue to be strong in both NSW and QLD.
- A dry finish is taking the edge of most crops and brings down potential yields.
- Old crop supply is adequate within this region in direct contrast to northern NSW.
- There has been a lot of activity in the Central West this week with first cut lucerne and large volumes of frosted cereal hay being baled at present. Contractors are very busy and struggling to keep up with demand. This could impact quality if hay is left on the ground too long waiting for contractors.
- The addition of the unexpected frosted cereal hay into the market cereal hay prices eased about $20 this week. We expect further softening in prices as this hay comes onto the market.
- Baling new season Lucerne has commenced and forward contracts are being filled. Prices have softened about $50 this week and Lucerne has is now valued at around $280-$350, however supplies are limited.
- Bega October rainfall total: 23.4mm (Ave: 51.2mm).
- YTD: 482mm (Ave: 522mm), compared to 6786mm this time last year.
- A fall of rain this week with 13mm recorded up until Tuesday.
- SFW Wheat $ -2 ($233 to $243). Frost concerns have brought doubt to potential production in the area.
- Feed barley $ -2 ($214 to $224) Feed barley now back within normal discount range to wheat, using historical price tables. It is expected a large barely crop is coming in this harvest so expect an abundance of supply.
- Triticale $ +5 ($236 to $246). Very little old season stock available at the moment, priced relatively high compared to wheat.
- Oats: $ -10 ($218 to $228). Too much feed through southern NSW for any interest in grain oats for grazing animals.
- Prospects for incoming crops are promising but a further rain in the next week is desired.
- Demand for all fodder categories has slowed as spring feed becomes available.
- Frosted cereal hay being baled in NSW will present a good opportunity for hay buyers in the Bega region in the coming weeks.
- Overall silage production is estimated to be slightly down this year, largely driven by the patchy seasonal conditions and some growers trying to limit expenditure.
- Prices in the Bega region are currently speculative. With limited trading into the region the new season prices are not yet clear. However with new season hay about to come onto the market we expect to see prices soften in the coming weeks.
- Tatura October Rainfall total: 14.2mm (Avg: 47.5mm)
- YTD: 306mm (Ave: 413mm), compared to 477.9mm this time last year.
- Minimal rain throughout the region up until Wednesday with many areas missing out completely.
- Wheat: $ -13 ($260 to $270). Exporters are still interested in bidding for old crop wheat. New season wheat crops are expected to yield well this year.
- F1 Barley: $-3 ($211 to $221). Massive discount to wheat currently and representing good buying opportunity.
- Triticale: $ +0 ($258 to $268) No longer readily available. Good buying at any discount to a genuine feed wheat price. Only minimal parcels are being offered.
- .Feed Oats: -$5 ($175 to $185). Some back loading of cheap Victorian oats going into pellets.
- Conditions have been ideal for haymaking with a good quantity getting bailed.
- Fodder trading remains slow this week as spring feed is now readily available.
- In the past few weeks baling cereal hay has commenced and good yields are being reported but quality is variable.
- There are reports of frost damaged cereal crops being cut for hay now in Southern NSW and Northern Victoria which should come onto the market in the next few weeks. This increased hay production will assist with stocking up cereal hay supplies.
- Cereal hay prices remain steady at present around 190-200/t delivered to the GV. There are wide variations in hay quality and we are seeing growers prepared to sit on their lower grade cereal hay at this stage.
- Pasture silage production is slightly down on previous years; however there is a lot of interest in summer crops like maize, sorghum and millet intentioned for silage early next year. This is driven by good water allocations.
- Some new season Lucerne is now coming onto the market, very small quantities in bulk are available for trading as forward contracts are taking first preference. Small square Lucerne hay is trading at around $9/bale.
- There is interest from some buyers in securing vetch behind the baler from the Wimmera and northern Victoria. With limited carry over and lower than forecast yields there is likely to be a shortage of vetch in 2014. Prices remain firm at around $220-$260 delivered to the GV.
- Sale October rainfall: 42.8mm (Ave: 57mm).
- YTD: 490mm (Ave: 480mm), compared to 553mm this time last year.
- SFW Wheat: $ -13 ($294 to $304) the gaps between wheat and barley has closed over the last two weeks.
- Barley: $ -3 ($252 to $262). $47 Incoming barley crops are doing well in northern victoria and the western district.
- Triticale: $ +0 ($258 to $268). Very little old crop commodity on offer with just a few loads throughout the region available and or trading.
- Feed Oats: $ +0 ($175 to $185). Feed everywhere. No need for oats for grazing animals.
- With applied nitrogen the season has delivered spring feed.
- Barley a better buy than wheat at current relative prices
- It has been a patchy start to the fodder season due to a number of factors; wet conditions, cooler temperatures slowing pasture growth and heavy grazing pressure in winter have all contributed to pushing back the start of the silage season. Despite the late start local contractors are predicting an average or slightly better year for silage.
- While trading is generally slow there is some interest in securing new season protein hay, particularly vetch which is trading at around $240-$280 delivered. For some buyers restricted cash flow is stopping them from making purchases. All buyers should be aware there is likely to be a shortage of vetch hay in 2014 due to lower than expected yields and price rises in the peak periods are expected.
- After easing last week the price for pasture hay remains firm this week, however this is still speculative and based on estimated new season prices as well as locally traded pasture silage ($ /t DM). We expect this price to fluctuate further in the coming months based on the amount and quality of pasture hay baled in Gippsland this year.
- Port Fairy October rainfall: 134mm (Ave: 53.9mm).
- YTD: 849mm (Ave: 618mm), compared to 674mm this time last year.
- Enormous rains this week with 77mm recorded and it is still raining as this report is being written.
- SFW1 Wheat: $ -5 ($273 to $283). Wheat down on exporters bids in the last two weeks.
- Feed Barley: $ -5 ($218 to $228). Barley goes out to an even further spread reaching $55 and is clearly the preferred feed grain at these prices.
- Triticale prices $ +0 ($260 to $270). Very little trade as supply is sparce.
- Feed oats $ +0 ($186 to $196). Excellent spring grazing conditions mitigate for low demand for grain oats.
- In the case of pastures, the problem on the black flat soils is still that there are large areas of paddocks where the grasses were lost over the summer drought.
- Trading is slow but steady at present. This year there is increased interest from local buyers trying to secure hay now for 2014. These buyers are showing particular interest in new season vetch.
- It is unlikely there will be an oversupply of protein hay this year with shortages of vetch hay likely in 2014.At present vetch hay is trading for about $220-$260 delivered to South West Victoria.
- Cereal hay remains steady this week but reports of large amounts of frosted cereal crops being cut for hay in Northern Victoria are like to result in a price drop in the coming weeks.
- Silage has commenced but to date the season has been quite patchy. Wet conditions again this week will push the season back further for many growers and this will impact quality. For others early cut silage has been put away with good quality and average yields recorded.
- There is some speculation that this year’s fodder season will be quite short which is the main driver for increased interest in purchasing (particularly protein) hay behind the baler.
- Mount Gambier October rainfall: 103.6mm (Ave: 61.6mm).
- YTD: 718mm (Ave: 625mm), compared to 602mm this time last year.
- Mount Gambier received 65mm this week while Keith had solid falls of 41mm.
- Wheat $ +5 ($254 to $264) Prices have tailed off a little bit as the yield potential of incoming crops looks quite good.
- Feed barley $ -5 ($228 to $238). Price movements reflecting that of wheat currently.
- Triticale $ -5 ($230 to $240). It is in short supply but represents good buying within this price range. Its extra energy over barley is not currently of commercial value to dairy farmers.
- Oat prices $ +0 ($170 to $180) Some graziers are showing interest in old oats for drought storage.
- Cheaper to currently source grain out of SA.
- Current wheat barley relatives are just outside the traditional range.
- Very cold and wet for the start of the lucerne growing season.
- Silage has commenced but wet conditions over the past few weeks have pushed the season back later than usual.
- Trading is very quiet at present and there is little interest in purchasing hay behind the baler at this stage. As a result prices are speculative.
- Cereal hay is being baled around the Keith region. With good supplies of cereal hay expected it is thought new season hay will be available around $160-$200 delivered.
- Although it appears the season for pasture hay will be late and hay won’t be available until November it is estimated prices will start around $180-200 delivered, however this may vary based on quality and supply come baling time.
- Murray Bridge October rainfall: 10.3mm (Ave: 33.5mm).
- YTD: 310mm (Ave: 296mm). 402mm this time last year.
- Wheat $ +12 ($221 to $231). The export market and subsequent traders are heavily affecting wheat prices.
- Feed barley $ -5 ($204 to $214). Barley discount to wheat is just outside the traditional range.
- Triticale $ -10 ($240 to $250). Old season supply has been exhausted.
- Feed oats $ -10 ($178 to $188). Less sheep demand currently for oats with paddock feed increasing.
- Barley is the preferred grain for spring cow feeding.
- It has been a wet spring indicating high yields for incoming crops.
- The hay season is well underway in Central SA. The growing season has favoured the hay industry and there are reports of some big yielding crops. Quality is the biggest concern for growers this season, with a wide range of quality expected.
- In general there is little carry over hay from the 2012 season and supplies are low.
- With no reports of active trading of bulk hay, all fodder categories remain unchanged at present, and are awaiting prices for new season hay.
- Bunbury October rainfall: 38mm (Ave: 30mm).
- YTD 798mm (Ave: 685.4mm), compared to 594mm this time last year.
- A good back half of the year in rainfall has seen the region receive a further 22mm this week.
- Wheat: $ -7 ($290 to $300). Wheat dropped and new season grain is still some weeks away in southern delivery areas.
- Feed barley $ -2 ($250 to $260). At a discount to wheat at current levels it is an appealing buy.
- Triticale $ +10 ($270 to $280). Very little trade occurring as the commodity is becoming increasingly harder to source.
- Oats +5 ($200 to $210). New season grain is almost coming in now with the oats looking favourable.
- As harvest is approaching we have seen a drop in prices.
- Baling is well underway at present and average or better yields are being reported. Quality is varied this year, a result of high yields and unfavourable weather conditions.
- Silage production has commenced in parts of south west WA with good yields reported.
- Hay trading on the domestic market is slow and fodder prices are still speculative. All fodder types remain unchanged this week.
- For new season cereal hay there is some indication prices will start around $110-$120 ex farm for low grade hay and $180-200 ex farm for top grade hay. This is a big drop in price for lower grade hay and may prompt growers to store hay until demand picks up, in order to cover production costs.
- Smithton October rainfall: 98.2mm (Ave: 78mm).
- YTD: 905mm (Ave: 777mm), compared to 796mm this time last year.
- Good solid rain received this week with 20mm.
- Wheat $ _10 ($350 to $360). Major drop in mainland prices as harvest approaches in the last two weeks.
- Feed barley $ +0 ($310 to $320). Huge discount to wheat on the mainland makes it an attractive buy.
- Triticale prices $ +0 ($348 to $358). Currently no demand. Local wheat is a better proposition for cows.
- Oats prices $ -5 ($263 to $373). With enough natural feed available the demand for oats is considerably less. Incoming crops are looking really good and there is plenty of natural feed.
- Grain usage has been eased back as the energy and protein in best pastures, produces most of the milk.
- It continues to be very wet in Northern Tasmania and it is likely this will postpone the start of the fodder season.
- Prices for fodder all fodder categories remain unchanged in Tasmania this week. Despite demand remaining strong there is limited supply for trading.