National Summary
- As the 2014 hay season progresses we are continuing to see fluctuation in hay pricing across the country. This is particularly evident for key dairy regions on the east coast. It is likely that the prices will continue to fluctuate until early 2015 when baling is completed and the seasonal outlook is clearer.
- Hay growers in most areas are reporting favourable baling conditions and good quality hay. The exception is WA where rain in the past few weeks will impact cereal hay quality.
- With hay quality good and input costs higher this year, many growers are setting their opening prices slightly firmer than in 2013.
- Overall it is expected that hay yields will be slightly down on average this year. However there are some regions reporting a very productive spring silage season and other areas are optimistic about their hay yields.
Northern Australia
- Reports from Northern Australia this week focused on a strengthening of the hay market once again. The hot and dry weather is fueling the increased demand.
- Locally hay supplies are low but new season hay becoming available in parts of NSW may take some pressure off the tight supply.
- Contractors have moved on to baling straw in QLD and northern NSW, with yields well below average as expected.
- On the north coast of NSW the hay season is well underway. Conditions are patchy but close to the coast late winter rains have assisted hay growers achieve reasonable yields.
Southern Australia
- The hay season is now well underway with large quantities of cereal hay being cut in southern NSW and northern Victoria over the past few weeks. Growers in these regions have reported favourable baling conditions and average or better yields.
- In other areas, such as the Wimmera/ Mallee and parts of the Riverina, the dry finish has had a significant impact on hay yields. Generally hay production is well below average and significantly down on 2013.
- On a positive note for hay buyers there is still some carry-over of 2013 cereal hay in Victoria. This hay may be a cheaper alternative to higher grade new season cereal hay. Buyers are recommended to have a feed analysis done before purchasing any hay to ensure you know exactly what you are buying.
- Spring silage production is variable. On the east coast regions like Bega, Gippsland and north western Tasmania have reported a good season with average or better yields.
- Other regions such as western Victoria and south eastern SA have not fared as well. The season is drying off quickly impacting silage yields and causing hay buyers to actively source hay for 2015 as their concerns over feed and fodder supplies grow.
Western Australia
- The cereal hay harvest is now starting to wrap up in the west. Some regions have reported average yields and good quality however areas that received heavy rain in the past few weeks will have some downgrading of hay quality. Exporters are active in the market seeking new season cereal hay, particularly high grade hay.
- On the domestic market there may be a good opportunity to source lower quality and therefore cheaper cereal hay in the coming months.
- There is a lot of interest in baling pasture hay through the south west. Early reports are that the season is patchy.
Regional Commentary
Atherton Tablelands
- Hay producers are very busy as the 2014 hay season is drawing to a close.
- Conditions are drying off quickly and demand from hobby farmers is strong.
- Hay supplies are low and will run short over the coming months.
- Pasture hay: + $15 ($320 to $340/t). Prices have risen slightly this week due to the low supply and steady demand.
Darling Downs
- The demand for hay is picking up once again as conditions remain hot and dry.
- Supplies of fodder in southern Queensland remain tight.
- New season hay becoming available in NSW will ease some supply pressure on the northern market. However it is expected supplies will be tight in 2015.
- Baling straw has now commenced and contractors are busy trying to keep up with demand. As expected yields are well below average.
- Cereal hay: – $45 ($280 to $320/t) Prices eased further this week despite steady demand. There are clear reports of fluctuation and variation in cereal hay prices. This is unlikely to settle until early 2015.
- Lucerne hay: +/- $0 ($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.
- Straw: – $20 ($180 to $200/t). Prices eased further this week. Like other fodder varieties prices are speculative and there is fluctuation in the market as new season straw becomes available.
- Pasture hay: N/A. Due to the poor growing conditions over the past few months very little pasture hay has been made in 2014. Trading is limited as a result.
North Coast NSW
- The hay market is fairly slow at present and prices are speculative.
- New season hay coming onto the market has eased some pressure on the tight supply. If conditions stay dry it is expected new season hay will move quickly.
- Lucerne hay production in the New England region is expected to be below average. This may put pressure on the local lucerne hay market and generate increased competition for buyers in the coming months.
- Cereal hay: -$25 ($240 to $280/t) Prices eased again this week. There is a lot of fluctuation in pricing at present and this is expected to continue for the coming months.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($300-$320/t). Prices remain firm but steady this week. 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 yet however straw production has commenced in the north of the state. New season straw should become available locally 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 but there has been a lot of interest from buyers, particularly hay traders, looking to secure their 2015 hay supplies.
- The hay season is now well underway. First cut lucerne is mostly baled and there has been steady demand from buyers. Poor growing conditions in the New England and ongoing dry conditions in Queensland are likely to see increased competition for lucerne hay from the Central West over the coming months.
- 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.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($200 to $220/t). After easing last week prices remains steady this week. Fluctuations in pricing are likely to continue for the coming months.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($280 to $300/t). This week prices remain steady although further fluctuations are expected as trading picks up in coming weeks.
- 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 months.
- 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 interest in baling pasture hay.
Bega Valley
- Demand for hay is fairly slow at present. Due to limited hay trading 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.
- Pasture hay production in southern NSW, around Wagga is likely to be down this year. Less interest in baling hay as well as the dry finish to the season is the key drivers.
- The spring silage season is well underway and above average production is expected.
- Cereal hay: -$65 ($240 to $260/t). Cereal hay prices eased this week based on reports of cereal hay trading in southern NSW. New season hay coming on to the market has influenced the large drop in pricing this week.
- 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 due to a late rush on demand in August.
- Pasture hay: +$30 ($180 to $240/t). Although reports of pasture hay being traded are limited, some new season hay has come onto the market. Prices are firmer than this time last year. Improved quality and tight supply in southern NSW are the key drivers.
Goulburn/Murray Valley
- The hay season is now well underway. Yields are reported to be average or better and quality is good.
- Demand for hay is slow at present with farmers now concentrating on their own hay and silage production. With the hay 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.
- There are reports of some 2013 cereal hay still coming onto the market. For buyers this may be a good option to secure cereal hay at a lower price. Remember to have a feed analysis done before buying hay to ensure you know what you are buying.
- Generally prices remain fairly steady this week as many buyers and sellers sit out of the market waiting to get a clearer picture of what the new season will bring.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($180 to $200/t). There has been little trading on the domestic market in recent weeks.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($280 to $300/t). Prices remain steady this week but are expected to 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). Prices remain steady this week and are unlikely to vary too much in the short term.
Gippsland
- Trading continues to be slow but steady. Rain across the region this week will help boost pasture production and will be beneficial to pasture hay growers.
- Silage is now underway with yields generally good. Growers are optimistic about the season and particularly about silage yields.
- There is some enquiry for new season cereal hay at present. Carry over hay from 2013 can be sourced from northern Victoria at discounted rates as new season hay comes on to the market. Remember to ensure you get a feed analysis done before purchasing any hay, particularly for 2013 season cereal hay as quality was variable.
- The quality of new season cereal hay in northern Victoria is expected to be very good this year. Exporters are keen buyers of high grade hay at present and local buyers will have to act quickly to secure good quality hay.
- Protein hay prices have opened firm in northern and western Victoria. Predicted short supply and high water prices are the key drivers.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($240 to $260/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($310 to $330/t). Prices remain steady at present but are speculative and based on some vetch being traded in the region.
- 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
- Silage is well underway in south west Victoria. Yields are well below average raising some concern about fodder supplies for the coming year.
- 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 early.
- There are reports this week of small quantities of failed cereal crops being baled for hay and silage in south western Victoria. It is unlikely this will have a big impact on fodder supply.
- There is still some carry over hay from 2013 available, particularly cereal hay. Interested buyers are encouraged to have a feed analysis done before they purchase hay, particular old season hay.
- Protein (lucerne and vetch) hay supply is likely to be 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 is not looking promising at this stage.
- Cereal hay: -$10 ($180 to $220/t). Prices eased slightly this week. Reports of 2013 cereal hay trading at low prices are the key drivers. Early indications are that the quality of new season hay will be high and therefore new season hay prices are much firmer than last year’s hay.
- Lucerne hay: -$30 ($280 to $320/t). Pricing is based on vetch hay sales which have eased slightly this week, despite active sales in south west Victoria. Fluctuating vetch hay prices are the result of new season hay becoming available in other parts of Victoria.
- 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. New season prices are likely to open much firmer due to the predicted shortfall of new season pasture hay.
Southeast South Australia
- Trading continues to pick up due to the dry conditions. There is a lot of interest from buyers wanting to secure their 2015 hay supplies.
- Silage is now underway and yields are well below average.
- At present hay supply is fairly hand to mouth, particularly for new season cereal hay.
- 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 in its closing stages. Growers are generally positive about the 2014 hay harvest with good quality and average yields reported.
- 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. Demand from farmers in the south east is also starting to pick up as the season dries out in that region.
- Cereal hay: +/- $0 ($180 to $200/t). Prices remain steady this week but may pick up in the coming weeks if the domestic market becomes more active.
- 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 generally low many growers are interested in baling pasture hay and silage this year. There are some reports that silage yields have been below average so far.
- The cereal hay season is well underway. Heavy rain in the past week has impacted large areas of hay on the ground. The quality of new season hay will likely vary as a result.
- Exporters are keen to source good quality hay this season. There may be an opportunity to secure lower grade hay at competitive 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.
- 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
- The wet winter has benefited farmers in the north west who are having a favourable silage season. The silage season is well underway and good yields are being reported.
- If the favourable conditions continue in the north of the state a good pasture hay season should result. Growers in the south of the state have been impacted by a dry spring which will negatively impact both silage and pasture hay production from this region.
- 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 but prices remain steady.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($300 to $320/t). Prices remained steady 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.