National Summary
- With the 2014 fodder harvest getting into full swing we are seeing price fluctuations as buyers and sellers negotiate over the new season’s crop.
- Rain in the past week has caused some headaches for growers who currently have hay on the ground. Areas in Western Australia, northern Victoria and parts of eastern South Australia were affected and hay quality in these regions may be impacted.
- For others the rain was timely and will freshen up crops nicely pre-harvest.
- For some of the key dairy regions good follow up rains are still needed to boost pasture growth in the lead up to the 2014 hay season.
- Buyers requiring hay in 2015 are encouraged to start talking to their hay suppliers now as harvest is just commencing in most regions and buying hay behind the baler at harvest is often the most cost effective way to secure hay.
Northern Australia
- Demand for hay throughout QLD and northern NSW is picking up. There are reports that once again hay is moving north from southern Australia to meet the demand.
- Ongoing dry conditions and increased cattle prices have influenced demand in the hay market.
- The cereal hay harvest is coming to an end in southern QLD and yields are well below average. Due to the lack of bulk in drought affected cereal crops this year, straw production will be well down in the drought affected areas.
- Cereal hay is just commencing on the north Coast of NSW. Yields will be below average but recent rain has helped to finish crops well.
- Pasture production will be down if there is no follow up rain in the coming months.
Southern Australia
- Buyers who want to secure their supplies for 2015 have been more active than previous years. Concern for a shortage of quality hay and expected price increases next year are the key drivers.
- Silage is now underway in southern Australia. Good yields are being reported so far, but overall we expect spring silage production to be below average, similar to 2013.
- The hay harvest in northern and western Victoria is now underway with growers reporting yields to be well below average. This will impact vetch and cereal hay supplies coming into 2015.
- There are reports of new season vetch coming onto the market from southern NSW and northern Victoria. This vetch is trading into the key Victorian dairy regions at present.
- Buyers looking to secure protein hay in 2015 are well advised to talk to their suppliers now. High water costs and low yields will impact lucerne and vetch hay supplies. We expect the market for protein hay to be tight in 2015.
Western Australia
- Cereal hay production is underway. Some growers have had quality affected due to rain this week.
- So far yields are lower than expected, and we expect the overall harvest to be average or below average this year.
- Quality hay is sought after by exporters who will be keen buyers for new season hay.
- We expect to see a lot of interest in pasture hay and silage production in the south west this year, particularly if the season finishes of well.
Regional Commentary
Atherton Tablelands
- Demand remains steady.
- Supplies are low due to the steady demand from livestock producers.
- Second cut hay will move quickly as it becomes available in the coming weeks.
- Pasture hay: +/- $0 ($300 to $330/t). Prices remain steady after picking up last week. With supply tight prices aren’t likely to ease until more hay becomes available.
Darling Downs
- Demand for hay is picking up again as the dry conditions continue. Hay is once again being sourced from Victoria and South Australia.
- Feedlots have been active buyers trying to secure their 2015 hay now before local supplies are depleted.
- The tail end of this year’s cereal hay harvest is now being baled. This new season hay is moving quickly.
- Pasture hay production will be well below average in 2014 due to the dry conditions.
- Buyers who are yet to secure their 2014/15 hay supplies are encouraged to do so now as supplies will run short coming into 2015.
- Many feedlots and dairy farmers are now closely observing cotton plantings for the 2014/15 season. Plantings are expected to be well below average and this will impact the availability of cotton seed meal in 2015. These buyers are now looking to source alternative cheaper fodder such as almond hulls.
- Some early sorghum crops are being planted. It is expected summer crop plantings will be lower than average due to the lack of water.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($380 to $420/t). Prices remain steady this week. With demand picking up again and hay moving in from the southern states freight is a large component of the cost.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($450 to $500/t). Prices remain steady this week. Lucerne hay supplies will be short in 2014/15 and prices are likely to remain firm.
- Straw: -$10 ($220 to $240/t). Prices eased slightly this week as growers and buyers start to negotiate over new season straw. Straw production is likely to be down in 2014 due to poor crop performance.
- Pasture hay: N/A. Due to the low supply there is very little pasture hay available for trading.
North Coast NSW
- The hay market remains steady. Good rain in late winter has helped boost paddock feed but there is very little bulk in pastures at present.
- Generally hay supplies are low. New season hay is just getting underway with cereal hay crops being cut this week.
- Silage will commence in the coming weeks. However below average pasture growth may see yields and production of spring silage down on average this year.
- Cereal hay: -$30 ($330 to $360/t) Prices have eased this week as new season hay becomes available. Previously hay was being freighted from southern Australia which was adding to the cost.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($450-$500/t). Demand remains steady but sourcing lucerne hay is very difficult. With supplies low prices remain firm. New season hay will become available in the coming weeks. We expect new season protein hay to move very quickly and encourage buyers to talk to their hay suppliers now.
- Straw: +/-$0 N/A There are no reports of straw trading at present due to the low supply.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($210-$230/t). There is very little pasture hay available at present. Prices remain steady.
Central West NSW
- Trading is slow due to the low supply of hay. With new season hay not far away there is a lot of interest from buyers looking to secure hay. This hay is likely to move in the coming weeks.
- There is a lot of interest in baling hay this season, particularly from farmers who have cleared out their hay sheds over the past two years and are looking to refill their on farm reserves.
- Some growers are starting to cut cereal crops. A number of frost affected crops have been cut for hay; however the amounts are not large. We believe that the amount of hay cut may have been overstated in the media.
- Growing conditions have been patchy throughout the Central West. Some areas have had favourable conditions and are expecting average yields. In other areas the season has dried off very quickly and crops will finish with below average yields.
- If water prices and availability remain tight there may be an impact on the amount of lucerne hay cut in the 2014/15 season. We are expecting lucerne hay supplies to remain tight across Australia in 2015.
- Cereal hay: -$25 ($280 to $300/t). Prices are starting to ease as new season cereal hay gets closer. There is a lot of interest in baling cereal hay this year. Prices may start to ease when new season cereal hay becomes available, however this will depend on demand from northern NSW and QLD.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($350 to $400/t). Lucerne hay is difficult to source and prices remain firm. New season lucerne hay will become available in the next few weeks. With demand strong prices could remain firm as new season hay comes onto the market.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($110 to $130/t). There is very little straw available and trading is slow.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($220 to $280/t). Prices remain steady but may ease when new season hay becomes available.
Bega Valley
- Despite good rain coming in to spring the season is drying off quickl and follow up rain is now needed to ensure a good hay harvest this year.
- Demand for hay is slow but steady and on farm hay reserves are low.
- Hay supplies are also very low in most of the key hay growing regions that supply Bega. Many growers are expecting average or below average yields. With yields back and demand steady, particularly from NSW and QLD, supplies of hay may be short throughout NSW in 2015.
- Silage is now underway. Yields are below average to average.
- With the 2014 hay season about to commence, buyers are encouraged to talk to their hay suppliers now about their 2014/15 requirements. Buying behind the baler is generally the cheapest time to purchase hay.
- Cereal hay: -$60 ($300 to $330/t). As new season hay is not too far away prices have eased. We expect prices to ease further over the coming weeks, with opening prices for new season cereal hay likely to match that of the same time in 2013.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($350 to $400/t). Lucerne hay remains in short supply and prices are staying firm but steady. With new season hay coming onto the market in the next few weeks and competition already strong despite it being early in the season new season prices are expected to start much firmer than in 2013.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($180 to $200/t). Straw prices remain steady and supplies are low.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($160 to $180/t). There is limited trading of pasture hay at present. Prices remain steady.
Goulburn/Murray Valley
- Demand for hay is fairly slow at present with farmers now concentrating on conserving their own hay and silage.
- Silage is underway and contractors are busy trying to meet demand. Spring silage production will be lower than average this year due to high water prices.
- There will be strong competition from exporters chasing high quality cereal hay early in the hay season this year. The impact will be firmer prices on the domestic market, especially if supply comes under pressure to lower than average yields. With this in mind buyers are encouraged to source their 2015 hay requirements now.
- Lucerne hay production will commence in the coming weeks. Some buyers are already actively locking in their new season lucerne hay. Supplies are likely to be short in 2015 and if water prices stay high price increases are expected. Anyone who requires lucerne hay in 2015 is encouraged to act quickly to secure supply.
- Last week we reported the first of this season’s vetch was being baled and this week there are reports of new season vetch being traded. Prices are around $240 to $260/t delivered to the GV. Many buyers are looking to secure vetch as a cheaper alternative to lucerne which will be expensive and in short supply this year.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($160 to $180/t). There is very little trading at present and prices remain steady. It is expected that prices will strengthen in the coming weeks as new season cereal hay becomes available.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($280 to $320/t). Prices remain steady due to the short supply of Lucerne hay available. There are no reports of new season lucerne hay trading as yet; however some growers are forecasting an opening price of $250/t on farm. Prices will go up quickly this season if water prices remain high.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($90 to $110/t). Prices remain steady as trading is limited.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($150 to $170/t). Trading is slow and pasture hay supplies are good. Prices remain steady this week.
Gippsland
- Trading continues to be slow but steady. Prices also remain steady and there is unlikely to be too much movement until new season hay comes onto the market.
- This week there have been reports of new season vetch from southern NSW and Western Victoria being delivered to Gippsland for $280 to $300/t.
- Due to decent rainfall events coming into spring there is good paddock feed available. Follow up rain is needed in most areas. If the season dries off pasture hay production will be below average this year.
- Silage is underway in some regions.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($240 to $260/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($310 to $330/t). Supply is very tight and prices remain steady.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($110 to $130/t). Trading is slow and prices remain steady this week.
- – Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($180 to $220/t). Prices remain steady.
Southwest Victoria
- There has been some hay trading in south west Victoria, prompted by the season which has been drying off quickly. Buyers have been sourcing local pasture hay and vetch from northern Victoria and Southern NSW.
- Prices for new season vetch have started around $280 to $300/t delivered into south west Victoria. It is likely vetch supplies will be tight this year.
- Hay growers in north western Victoria (who typically supply the south west) are now cutting cereal crops for hay. The season is very patchy. Some growers are reporting average yields, others are reporting much lower than average yields.
- Lucerne hay is likely to be very tight in 2015. A combination of lower than average yields and high water prices are the main contributors to this outcome.
- Silage is underway but yields are below average. Overall it is expected spring silage production will be lower than average this year.
- The 2014 pasture hay harvest could be well below average if the season doesn’t improve. Growers are just locking up hay paddocks now where they can.
- Buyers seeking new season hay in 2015 are encouraged to lock in their supplies now.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($130 to $170/t). Prices remain steady. Now is a good time to secure cereal hay for the year ahead.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($250 to $270/t). Prices remain steady at present. We are anticipating an opening price of around $250 on farm for new season lucerne, depending on quality. Last season’s lucerne hay is very difficult to source and buyers are looking to vetch hay as a substitute.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($110 to $120/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($140 to $160/t).Prices remained steady this week.
Southeast South Australia
- Trading remains slow at present, although conditions are drying off quickly which may impact the hay market in the coming weeks.
- The expected hot dry conditions in the coming week could bring an abrupt end to the growing season for some hay growers. Cutting will commence in the coming weeks.
- With the hay season not too far away buyers are now starting to make enquiries for new season hay. Prices are fairly speculative at present and will depend on the quality of hay once it gets in the bale.
- Pasture hay and spring silage production could be well below average in 2014 if there isn’t a good finish to the season.
- There is little carry over lucerne hay coming into the new season. Anyone seeking lucerne hay in 2015 is well advised to lock in their hay contracts early.
- Cereal hay: +$50 ($180 to $200/t). With growers and buyers only starting to enter into discussions about new season hay now, prices are speculative.
- Lucerne hay: +$20 ($280 to $300/t). Prices are speculative but this is the expected starting price for new season lucerne in the coming weeks.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($105 to $115/t). Very little straw is trading at present. Supplies are low and prices remain steady.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($135 to $155/t). There is limited trading of pasture hay at present.
Central South Australia
- Good rain through the mid north hay growing region was timely for many growers and will freshen up crops. With harvest about to commence growers are expecting average or slightly below average yields this year.
- Most buyers and sellers are sitting out of the market at present in anticipation of the new hay season which is now commencing.
- There are reports of cereal hay moving into northern Australia once again as demand picks up from buyers affected by drought.
- Cereal hay: +/0 $0 ($150 to $200/t). Prices remain steady this week although some big variation remains between last season and new season hay.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($300 to $330/t). There is very little lucerne available locally and prices are firm but steady.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($120 to $130/t). Prices remain steady. With trading slow there has been little movement in the straw market for the past few months.
- Pasture hay: N/A. No reported trading of late.
Southwest Western Australia
- The cereal hay season is already underway in the key hay growing regions. Rain in the past week has impacted hay which has already been cut and quality of new season hay will likely vary as a result.
- Yields vary and as the harvest commences there are varying reports on yields. Some growers are reporting yields to be down on average.
- Exporters will be keen to source good quality hay this season. For domestic buyers looking to source cereal hay for 2015 now is a good time to start talking to your hay supplier.
- It is likely the good quality new season hay will be in short supply and price rises are likely.
- Growing conditions in the south west have been favourable and a big pasture hay and silage season is likely.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($160 to $180/t). Prices remain steady this week. Price rises are expected if hay quality remains good.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($500 to $550/t). Lucerne hay is very difficult to source. Prices are unchanged due to the tight market.
- Straw+/-$0 ($85 to $115/t). Limited trading of late, prices remain unchanged.
- Pasture hay: N/A. Due to steady demand earlier in the year there is very little pasture hay available. No prices have been reported of late.
Northwest Tasmania
- Conditions are patchy with a number of areas drying off quickly and in need of rain. Accordingly demand for hay, particularly in the North West dairy region remains steady.