- There remains a lot of volatility in hay pricing this week, which is not uncommon at this stage of the hay season. The key contributing factors to market variation are new season hay coming onto the market, variations in yields and active enquiries from buyers.
- Overall it is expected that hay yields will be slightly down on average in 2014. However, some regions are reporting a very productive spring silage season and other areas are optimistic about their hay yields.
- Prices are speculative as trading is fairly slow, except in regions they are experiencing unseasonably dry conditions.
- Currently there is speculation about what will happen in the hay market over the coming months. Prices are easing slightly in some areas as new season hay becomes available while in other regions the lack of carry over hay, competition and higher production costs are contributing to firm opening prices in comparison to the same time in 2013.
- It is worth noting that lower grain prices are currently sitting at a level where this may be a more cost effective option than hay for some buyers. Depending on how the season unfolds this could have an impact the demand for hay in 2015.
Northern Australia
- Conditions in Northern Australia remain dry and local hay supplies are low.
- Contractors have moved on to baling straw in QLD and northern NSW, with yields well below average as expected.
- Baling hay is underway on the north coast of NSW. Growers close to the coast have benefited from late winter rain which will help boost hay yields.
- Conditions in northern NSW remain patchy and demand for hay may increase in the coming months if the season stays dry.
Southern Australia
- Silage is well underway in southern Australia with some ares, particularly around Bega, having a very favourable silage season in 2014.
- Cereal hay production in southern NSW and north central Victoria is now commencing. It appears there will be a good curing window for hay over the coming weeks. Hay growers are optimistic about both yields and quality of new season hay.
- The hay harvest in western Victoria is now well underway with growers reporting yields to be well below average.
- The outlook for both spring silage and pasture hay production in south west Victoria and south east South Australia is fairly poor at this stage. This area is drying off quickly and buyers are active trying to secure their 2015 hay supplies.
- Buyers looking to secure protein hay in 2015 are advised to talk to their suppliers now. High water costs and low yields will continue to impact lucerne and vetch hay supplies and we expect the market for protein hay to be tight in 2015.
Western Australia
- Cereal hay production is well underway with rains this week expected to have further negative impact the quality of cereal hay.
- Quality hay is sought after by exporters who are keen buyers for new season hay.
- There is a lot of interest in baling pasture hay in south west WA due to limited carry over of 2013 hay.
Regional Commentary
Atherton Tablelands
- Demand remains steady and 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. With supply tight prices aren’t likely to ease until more hay becomes available.
Darling Downs
- Despite small amounts of patchy rain this week conditions remain very dry and water storages are low.
- The demand for hay is steady with new season cereal hay being sought after. Feedlots are active buyers.
- Cereal hay prices have eased further this week as new season hay comes onto the market.
- Baling straw has now commenced. As expected yields are well below average.
- Cereal hay: -$45 ($330 to $360/t). As more new season hay is traded we are hearing that market has softened further this week. Supply pressure is easing as Central West and southern NSW look like having an average hay season for cereal hay.
- Lucerne hay: -$50 ($400 to $450/t). Prices are starting to ease reflecting new season hay coming on to the market. Prices are speculative and there maybe some further movement over the coming weeks as the season commences.
- Straw: -$10 ($200 to $220/t). Prices eased further this week. The slight reduction in price is due to new straw coming onto the market. Straw production will be down in 2014 due to poor crop yield.
- Pasture hay: N/A. Due to the poor growing conditions over the past few months very little pasture hay has been made in 2014.
North Coast NSW
- Demand for hay has eased from its peak in winter, but remains generally steady. Conditions are drying off and may impact the demand for hay in the coming weeks if there is no follow up rain.
- Winter rains have boosted production just in time for silage and hay producers. With the new season now underway reports indicate that the yields should be average or slightly below.
- As new hay comes onto the market we are seeing a big shift downwards in prices. Cereal hay and lucerne hay pricing softened considerably this week. However it is still too early for new season pasture hay and straw.
- Silage is underway but the drier conditions have favoured hay production.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($270 to $300/t) Prices remain steady this week following recent big shifts with the commencement of the local hay season. There are only limited reports of new season hay trading so far and prices are speculative for now.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($300-$320/t). Despite new season hay coming onto the market and prices easing from their winter high, prices remain firm. We expect protein hay to move quickly this year 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. New season straw should become available in the next month.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 N/A. There is very little pasture hay available at present and have been no reports of trading.
Central West NSW
- Trading is steady however there is interest from buyers looking to source their 2015 hay requirements.
- Cereal hay has now commenced with much of this years harvest coming down in the past few weeks. First cut lucerene is also well underway.
- Growers with irrigation are reporting good yields and high quality. Dry land crops have suffered from the dry finish to the season which may impact yields.
- There is a lot of interest in baling hay this season in order to refill empty haysheds. There is particular interest in pasture hay from livestock producers.
- Cereal hay: -$15 ($200 to $220/t). Prices eased slightly this week as new season cereal hay becomes available.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($280 to $300/t). This week prices remain steady although further fluctuations are expected as trading picks up in coming weeks. Despite a big drop since the peak of autumn/winter trading, prices are firmer than usual for this time of year. High water prices, low supply and steady demand are the key drivers.
- Straw: +/-$0 N/A. There are no reports of straw being traded this week as supplies are low and demand is slow. New season straw pricing should become available in the coming month.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 N/A. There are no reports of new season pasture hay trading at present. New season pasture hay should become available in the coming months and there is a lot of interest in baling pasture hay.
Bega Valley
- Demand for hay is fairly slow currently with the focus from hay users being on conserving their own fodder. Due to limited hay trading this week prices remain speculative and are based on new season hay prices from key supply regions.
- The hay season is now commencing in the key areas that supply Bega. There are mixed reports from these regions on crop yields.
- Carry over hay supplies are low in most of the key hay growing regions that supply Bega.
- Silage is well underway, with a lot of interest in silage this year and accordingly contractors are very busy. Yields are much better than first expected due to rain in late August. In general producers are optimistic about the season.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($300 to $330/t). Cereal hay prices remain steady this week. New season hay coming on to the market influenced a large drop in pricing over the past month.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($350 to $370/t). Prices are unchanged but speculative based on first cut lucerne becoming available in the key supply areas. There are no clear reports of lucerne hay trading at this stage.
- 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
- A large amount of cereal hay has now been cut and growers are positive about this seasons hay crop yields. There should be a good window for curing hay over the coming weeks. If there is minimal rain hay quality will be high, fueling further optimism amongst hay growers.
- Silage is now well underway, with the 2014 spring silage harvest looking like being up on earlier speculation, about average for the region.
- Demand for hay is slow at present with farmers now concentrating on conserving their own hay and silage.With harvest looking promising it is unlikely local demand will pick up in the short term.
- Exporters have been active buyers to date with a focus on sourcing high grade cereal hay.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($180 to $200/t). Prices eased last week and remain steady this week. Step ups announced by the exporters this week are likely impact prices on the domestic market in the coming weeks. There has been little trading on the domestic market to date, however now is a good time to secure cereal hay before the impact of export hay prices impacts the domestic market.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($280 to $300/t). There are only a few reports of new season lucerne hay trading however growers are forecasting an opening price of $250/t on farm. Prices remain steady this week but will go up if water prices remain high. Protein hay supplies are likely to be tight in 2015.
- 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 and are unlikely to vary too much in the short term.
Gippsland
- Trading continues to be slow but steady, partly driven by good paddock feed generally being available.
- Silage is now underway with yields generally good. Growers are optimistic about the season, particularly about silage yields, but will be looking for some follow up rain for a good pasture hay season.
- Protein hay prices have opened firm in northern and western Victoria. Gippsland buyers are encouraged to get in early to secure their supplies.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($240 to $260/t). Prices remain steady this week but are speculative due to the limited trading. Prices rises are expected as new season hay comes onto the market. Opening cereal hay prices are firm and exporters are creating competition in the market, particularly for high grade cereal hay.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($310 to $330/t). Prices remain steady at present but are speculative. Rises are expected in the coming weeks in accordance with vetch prices which have strengthened in some areas..
- 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
- The season is drying off in south west Victoria, with silage underway, but yields well below average. Many growers are questioning the benefit of cutting silage, or even hay, due to the poor yield potential. Instead some are choosing to put stock on paddocks intended for fodder conservation.
- Hay traders are reporting lots of enquiries for new season hay. Buyers seeking new season hay in 2015 are encouraged to lock in their supplies now.
- Protein (lucerne and vetch) 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.
- The 2014 pasture hay harvest could be well below average if the season doesn’t improve.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($200 to $220/t). Prices remain steady this week. Early indications are that the quality of new season hay will be high. There is some competition in the market from exporters at present. Exporters generally set the floor price for cereal hay during the hay season. Recent top ups announced are likely to impact the cereal hay market over the coming weeks and could see prices strengthen. Now is a good time to secure cereal hay for the year ahead.
- Lucerne hay: +$15 ($320 to $340/t). Prices are speculative at present due to the lack of new season lucerne available. Pricing is based on vetch hay sales which are active in south west Victoria at present.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($110 to $120/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($140 to $160/t). There are limited reports of old season pasture hay trading at present. New season prices are likely to open much firmer due to the predicted shortfall of new season pasture hay.
Southeast South Australia
- Trading is picking up due to the dry finish to the season. There is a lot of interest from buyers wanting to secure their 2015 hay supplies.
- At present hay supply is fairly hand to mouth, particularly for new season cereal hay.
- Some new season vetch hay is moving into the region.
- Once new season cereal and lucerne hay becomes available from eastern SA this may ease some supply pressure. At this stage however traders are forecasting supplies will be tight throughout 2015.
- Silage is just commencing and yields are expected to well back on average.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($200 to $220/t). Prices remain steady this week but fluctuations are anticipated in the coming weeks.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($300 to $320/t). Prices remain steady this week. Prices are speculative and based on vetch hay which is sought after at present.
- 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
- The cereal hay harvest is now well underway and growers are very optimistic about the 2014 hay harvest. Favourable weather conditions and good growing conditions are contributing to good quality and average yields.
- Exporters are active in securing their hay for the year ahead with a focus on high quality hay.
- There is some demand for new season hay from hobby farmers in the Adelaide Hills. These areas, like many parts of SA are being impacted by the dry finish to the season.
- Cereal hay: +/- $0 ($180 to $200/t). Prices firmed slightly this week as new season hay became available. The higher quality of new season hay is influencing the price and further price rises are expected.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($300 to $330/t). Prices remain steady at present. As new season lucerne comes onto the market a firm starting price is expected.
- 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. Looking to the 2014/15 straw season yields may be slightly down which could impact supply.
- Pasture hay: N/A. No reported trading of late. There is some interest in baling pasture hay this season and new season prices should be available soon.
Southwest Western Australia
- As hay supplies are low many growers are interested in baling pasture hay and silage this year.
- The cereal hay season is well underway. Heavy rain in the past week has impacted large amounts of hay. The quality of new season hay will likely vary as a result.
- Exporters will be keen to source good quality hay this season. There may be an opportunity to secure lower grade hay at lower prices over the coming months.
- Cereal hay: +/- $0 ($160 to $180/t). Prices remain steady this week. Prices are likely to fluctuate in the coming weeks as the amount and quality of new season hay becomes clearer.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($500 to $550/t). Lucerne hay is very difficult to source. Prices may fluctuate in the coming weeks with the new season in sight. Traditionally the market for lucerne hay is tight in WA.
- 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, particularly in the south of the state.
- In the North West the wet winter has benefited dairy farmers who are having a fantastic silage season. The silage season is well underway which is much earlier than usual.
- Prices are fairly speculative as on farm fodder supplies are low and new season hay is still a few months away.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($220 to $240/t). Cereal hay availability is very limited. Prices remain steady.
- Lucerne hay: -$5 ($300 to $320/t). Prices remain eased slightly this week as the new season is not too far away.
- Straw+/-$0 ($170 to $190/t). There is limited demand for straw at present. Pasture hay is a more favourable alternative.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($170 to $190/t). If there is no follow up rain in the coming week’s prices may start to rise as demand increase.