National Summary
- Frosts accompanied by cooler conditions have been the catalyst for increased interest in the hay market this week. Across most regions there were increased enquiries for fodder this week however, significant price changes were not observed in the market. The cold conditions are seeing a reduction in pasture growth rates, and without sufficient rainfall, it is expected that an increase in demand for fodder is expected in the coming weeks.
- There has been a general increase in demand for fodder from hobby farmers and small acreage producers in some regions.This has applied some pressure to the big bale market however it is yet to impact on pricing.
- Freight costs remain a contributing factor to price increases as domestic hay stocks are further exhausted. With the exception of Bega and Northcoast NSW, hay traders have commented that stores are at levels that would be traditionally witnessed in September.
Northern Australia
- Rainfalls across Queensland are being generally welcomed with the exceptions of providing some frustrations to the hay harvest in the Atherton Tablelands.
- Strong beef prices continue to support interest in fodder, however cattle being grazed on failing crops in some regions in NSW has seen demand steadying.
- Tough conditions being seen in cropping conditions, accompanied by low irrigation allocations may see hay producing in NSW below average for the coming season.
Southern Australia
- Continued dry conditions in Southern regions are causing concern for the season ahead, both over pasture production now and fodder production for the season ahead.
- As the availability of hay further declines and distances increase, higher transport costs are adding to hay prices. These prices are discouraging buyers, causing them to look for cost effective substitute feed sources.
Western Australia
- Apart from the variation of weather throughout WA, very little has changed in hay markets since last week. Domestic demand is steady and exporters continue to source oaten hay where available. Chaff mills are also finding it difficult to secure protein hay but current prices have prevented any additional increase.
Regional Commentary
Atherton Tablelands
- Weather conditions are interrupting the hay harvest with rainfall occurring every two or three days.
- This inconsistent weather is resulting in varied hay quality.
- Enquiries for pasture hay are picking up as the harvest continues.
- Feedlots are in the market place and looking to secure large orders of hay after recent rainfall and surges in beef prices.
- The increase in interest in the market this week has not resulted in price changes.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($290 to $330/t). Prices remain steady this week.
Darling Downs
- Patchy rainfall has been the motivating factor behind a slump in the hay market in Darling Downs this week.
- Overall, stocks are low in the region after steady demand throughout the wet season.
- Demand from feedlot buyers is lower than expected form this time of year.
- Consistent demand for small bale hay has seen stocks diminish in recent weeks. This has not had a flow on effect to the big bale market.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 (350 to $380/t). The price remains steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($450 to $500/t). Prices firm this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($170 to $190/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($270 to $310/t). Prices remain steady this week.
North Coast NSW
- A combination of good soil moistures and consistent rainfall has attributed to good pasture growth. However, this is confined to coastal areas.
- The buoyant cattle market has led to an increase in the trade of hay this week.
- There were reports of an increase in straw demand this week and it is expected that a price rise will follow in weeks to come.
- Interest remains firm for bulk hay but no price increases have been reported this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($230 to $290/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($300 to $370/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($120 to $160/t). Prices are steady but are based on limited trading.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 N/A. Few reports of trading in sufficient quantities to be able to determine a price.
Central West NSW
- Low hay stocks and strong demand has pushed prices for cereal hay up in Central NSW.
- Adverse conditions and early maturing crops have seen larger numbers of livestock grazing cereal crops.
- Stock numbers in the region are increasing and it is predicted that this will more than like apply further pressure to hay stocks in several weeks as pasture banks are utilised.
- There were reports of straw trading in the market this week after a period of limited supply and demand.
- Cereal hay: +$10 ($240 to $300/t). A Price rise was noted this week. Prices differences based on quality.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($340 to $400/t). The pricing remains steady this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($150/t). Straw has reopened trade in the region following a period of limited market movement.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 N/A. There are no reports of new season pasture hay trading yet.
Bega Valley
- Frosts are setting in and almost all farmers in the region are using silage as part of cattle rations.
- Good on farm silage stocks have prevented many buyers from needing to enter the hay market.
- Limited demand for hay was observed in the market this week.
- Of the limited trade that has been occurring, lucerne has been the main hay of interest. The variation of freight costs has produced a diverse price range in the region.
- The flat demand over the last 4 months have seen lucerne prices fall in order for hay sellers to start preparing sheds for this years harvest. Good quality lucerne prices remain firm though.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($270 to $300/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($330 to $390/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($180 to $200/t). Straw prices remain steady but supplies are low.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($240 to $260/t). Prices remain steady this week.
Goulburn/Murray Valley
- Stocks of cereal and protein hay are diminishing at a steady rate but prices continue to hold as buyers seek substitute fibre products.
- Protein hay is proving more difficult to procure and sellers are giving preference to consistent buyers.
- Soil moistures are low and growers are describing rainfall as “hand to mouth” with little to no runoff to fill dams and catchments.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($210 to $240/t). Pricing steady this week
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($310 to $350/t). Prices remain firm this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($90 to $110/t). Prices remain steady.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($150 to $180/t). Pricing remains steady this week.
Gippsland
- Demand remains low as producers look to utiliser pasture on farm.
- With limited supply of hay throughout Southeast Australia and hay being sourced from further distances, transport is adding to fodder costs.
- Enquiries for protein hay have declined as prices deter buyers.
- Straw is again trading firm as cattle farmers prepare calving rations.
- Pasture hay is receiving steady interest. This is a result of high prices for other hay and fodders.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($240 to $300/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($350 to $410/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($120 to $150/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($180 to $230/t). Prices remain steady this week.
Southwest Victoria
- Similar to other regions throughout Southeast Australia, dairy farmers are exhibiting caution in hay.
- It was reported that current prices for cereal and protein hay are discouraging some purchases.
- Sales of straw and pasture hay are steady as livestock producers look for cost effective alternatives to cereal and protein hay.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($240 to $260/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($310 to $350/t). Remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($120 to $140/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($180 to $220/t). Prices remain steady this week.
Southeast South Australia
- Buyers are exhibiting resistance to current market prices for cereal and protein hay.
- The number of dairy farmers enquiring about hay prices has dropped due to concerns over milk pricing.
- Poor growing conditions south of Adelaide have seen an increase in demand from small acreage producers and hobby farmers in the small bale market.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($240 to $260/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($300 to $350/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($110 to $130/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($180 to $220/t). Holding steady with adequate stocks for this time of year.
Central South Australia
- Increased interest for small bales from hobby farmers and small acreage producers was noted this week.
- There has been a steady rise in the purchase of round bale hay.
- Strong prices for beef has seen steady hay purchases from cattle producers looking maximise animal weight gains.
- Current hay stocks are reminiscent of September averages.
- As hay stocks continue to diminish and interest increases, a price rise is likely.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($200 to $220/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($280 to $330/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($120 to $130/t). Prices remain steady.
- Pasture hay: N/A. No reported trading.
Southwest Western Australia
- Isolated rainfall in Southwest has lifted farmer confidence for the growing season.
- Chaff mills are still incurring significant freight costs to source lucerne hay and it is expected this trend will continue until next season’s harvest.
- Exporters are still looking for oaten hay but sellers have little to no stocks left.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($200 to $220/t). Prices remain steady.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($490 to $530/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($90 to $110/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($160 to 200/t). Prices remain steady.
Northwest Tasmania
- Cereal and lucerne hay stocks continue to fall through steady demand. This is yet to transfer into a price rise.
- Enquiries for pasture hay and straw are on the increase due to prolonged morning frosts.
- Drier than average conditions and reduced pasture growth continue to push large dairy business into the hay market. With this said there were no reports of price increases.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($230 to $270/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($310 to $330/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($170 to $190/t). Prices remain steady with little reports of hay trade.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($170 to $210/t). Prices remain steady this week.