National Summary
- The hay market remains largely inactive this week with very little demand, trade and interest and as a result, no change to prices reported.
- The focus for growers remains almost entirely on hay and silage production but with a return to cooler weather and rain/showers in many regions this week, attempts to make quality hay are being tested. Getting cut hay cured is an issue in many regions that have started production.
- Silage production seems to be fairing much better than hay production so far with reports of good quality being achieved.
- Buyers are few and far between at moment and this is not expected to change any time soon as they remain content to sit out of the market waiting to see what the new season’s production will deliver in terms of quantity and quality. There is hope from growers that with reduced hay production this year and a return to improved quality, prices will also improve. If this outcome actually eventuates is yet to be realised.
- In those southern regions of the country where carryover stocks remain, growers and traders continue to look to offload to make room for the new season’s production. There is still some level of demand continuing from the dry regions of NSW, QLD and east Gippsland, but this also seems to have slowed.
- Exporters continue to be active in the hay market and are looking to secure new season, quality supply; this exporter interest will help set a price in some regions for the new season hay.
- There is growing interest in quality protein hay and there is some vetch availability out of regions such as northern Victoria. Long term supply of quality protein hay such as vetch and lucerne may not be assured this year.
Northern Australia – Summary
- Prices remain unchanged.
- Some rain has fallen in a number of northern regions which will bring relief for many farmers, especially those looking for pasture growth respite; if follow-up rains do not eventuate however, relief will be short lived.
- The rain does however bring different impacts on the hay market, potentially slowing demand as pastures grow and fill a feed need and in some situations, making quality hay and silage in a timely manner more difficult.
- The level of enquiry and buying from southern regions seems to have slowed for the moment.
- It is still expected that demand with exceed supply in the north this season.
- Lucerne and straw are particularly scarce. Most quality protein hay can fetch over $300/t and as high as $400/t if it can be found.
- Securing long term, reliable supplies of quality hay may well be an issue for the north as the year progresses.
- We suggest caution when purchasing fodder at the moment, particularly protein hay, as there continues to be a great deal of variability in what’s being traded.
Southern Australia – Summary
- Southern Australia is experiencing a lull in trade and demand for hay and there is a feeling this will remain the case for some weeks to come.
- Hay and silage production is the focus almost entirely at the moment with the weather causing production issues with a return to cool and showery conditions making curing hay particularly difficult.
- No changes to hay prices this week.
- The region is once again expected to produce more than enough hay this season and will remain a strong source of supply to other regions in need throughout the country; this is being complemented by a good silage year.
- Growers are hoping that this season will see a lift in the quality of hay produced and an improved price.
- Exporters are reportedly actively looking for new season hay especially if quality is improved.
- The overflow of hay from last season continues to find some interest from northern regions that remain dry but this trade has also slowed since some rain relief was experienced in those dry regions.
- Not all southern regions are doing well; without follow-up rain, Bega will continue to struggle and there is some suggestion that east Gippsland is almost beyond a rebound now even if good rains did eventuate. This situation will continue to create extra pressure on supply, especially for good quality protein and cereal hay.
Western Australia – Summary
- There were no changes to hay prices this week in the west.
- Hay trading is dormant at present with a focus on this year’s harvest taking priority and with inclement weather, this is being hampered and curing hay is becoming a concern.
- Later hay crops are still expected to fare better in the west.
- The level of demand and optimism for the coming season varies a great deal from farmer to farmer but there is a feeling that quality hay may be difficult to find this year.
- There is an expectation that demand will continue to lift after the dry winter and could be exacerbated by reduced yields and/or lower production from less crops being cut for hay.
- There remains reasonable good supply of carryover stocks of low/medium grade hay in the system but care should be exercised when buying this.
- The domestic market is not expected to provide a lift in hay trading until after Christmas now.
- The export industry continues to dominate the WA market and is a solid indicator on pricing. Exporters continue to seek out quality hay and as a result, will set the price in the market for quality hay.
Regional Commentary
Atherton Tablelands
- The Tablelands have received over 100mm of rain over the last couple of weeks which has significantly slowed demand for hay and feed generally.
- Since the rain however, it has got hot and this is disrupting the planting of peanuts and maize in the region.
- Without further rain in the coming weeks, there is an expectation that demand for hay and other feed will lift again but for now buyers are happy to sit out of the market.
- There were no changes to hay prices in the region again this week and the level of enquiry has slowed with the rain.
- New season hay is beginning to be made in the region, but baling has been interrupted by rain.
- The region around Mareeba is growing more hay and is a backup source of supply to the Tablelands.
- It is predicted that hay stocks may not go the distance this season and we’ll see a return to high demand, but the weather is the major determinant for demand now – if further rain eventuates demand will remain low.
- The outcome of this year’s harvest is still yet to be fully realised however growers have been anticipating a poorer year for hay production.
- Many farmers continue to have lower cattle number and for this reason have lower feed requirements.
- We continue to advocate for feed testing to ensure quality and using a trusted supplier when purchasing hay this year.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($280 to $330/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Note: Hay in the Atherton Tablelands is traditionally priced at $/bale, so it is important to check bale weights for conversion to a $/t rate – at the moment small squares are selling for $10 and large squares for $90-$120.
Darling Downs
- Whilst the Downs has had some rain after a dry spell there has not been enough to get the summer planting of corn and sorghum underway.
- Prices remain unchanged and demand stable.
- With the rain it has turned green and the resulting pasture growth is expected to decrease interest in hay but there has not been enough rain to ease concerns just yet.
- There are still enquiries for hay being reported in the region; reports indicate that there are still trucks of cereal hay coming into the region from down south.
- There is some lucerne now coming into the region from Gatton.
- There are no excess supplies of fodder in the region and it is expected that there will be limited paddocks going to hay this season after the dry winter.
- The current hay production season is just starting to get underway.
- The next 12 months on the Downs will remain solid/stable for hay prices although the next few weeks will help firm up that outlook especially as current hay production season starts properly.
- Pricing in the region at present is largely set at the Victorian price plus freight.
- Feedlots are reportedly still actively buying but this is not considered out of the ordinary.
- There is a view that straw will remain very difficult to source this year.
- Quality for all fodder types is highly variable and should be tested. We recommend careful inspection of fodder and using a trusted supplier when possible.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($270 to $350/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay +/-$0 ($350 to $450/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($160 to $220/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: Not in demand in this region.
North Coast NSW
- No change in hay prices this week and demand has certainly slowed since the season has broken early and the rains have come (October has been a very wet month).
- There is an expectation prices may come back in coming weeks because of the rain and some new season production becoming available.
- There are no stocks or surplus hay remaining in the region and there is virtually no lucerne, straw or pasture hay available within the region.
- Previous reports did suggest that there were supplies coming out of the NSW Tablelands (Tamworth region) and Victoria but these have now slowed also.
- There is not a lot of cereal hay to be made in the region this year and the weather is hampering production of what is there to be cut.
- Stocks of pasture hay are expected to improve with the rain that has fallen, especially if the weather warms up.
- There are concerns that if it dries off again and the weather does turn warm, demand may lift quickly and supply could be limited.
- Some vetch of good quality has been made and sold for $300-$350/t.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($300 to $350/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($380 to $450/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($200 to $240/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($250 to $280/t). Prices remain steady this week.
Central West NSW
- There were no changes to hay prices this week, but demand is consistent.
- Recent rains have reportedly damaged some lucerne and cereal crops that have been cut and the inclement weather is still causing issues with cutting and baling crops.
- Reasonable demand exists within the region for good quality oaten hay and lucerne which is being sought by sheep and cattle finishers and backgrounders.
- There are reports of trucks of cereal hay moving around and through the region.
- Small bales of lucerne are in high demand and if the quality is there are attracting a price of $12/bale (+ GST).
- The region is running short on supply of hay and with not much residual stock left in sheds; this situation will not improve with the anticipated reduced harvest this year which is reportedly as much as 25% down from some growers.
- The region will look to Victoria and South Australia for hay especially if good supplies are available in these regions.
- Straw is in short supply within the region and this situation is not expected to change until after harvest.
- Canola hay produced recently has sold quickly to sheep farmers however the dairy industry has been less inclined to look at canola hay.
- There are reports that some pasture hay is trying to be made in the region, but the weather is frustrating this too.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($140 to $200/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($250 to $400/t) Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($110 to $130/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($150 to 170/t). Prices remain steady this week.
Bega Valley
- There were no changes to hay prices reported in the Bega region this week although current stated prices remain indicative only as supply is tight.
- There has been some much-needed rain in the region recently and this has greened up paddocks, but concern persists over the lack of substantial rainfall which has occurred in the region in recent months; the lateness of rain has impacted crops and silage production has hardly started.
- Without further rain, the Bega region is still in a precarious situation.
- Comments suggest growers are expecting a poor season and for supply to be tight this year and on top of this, quality is also expected to be down.
- The small amounts of hay cut so far this season has not been of good quality as crops have been stressed, short and have lost the bottom leaf.
- There are reports that some growers will let their hay crops go to grain and will not even bother cutting them for hay this year.
- Good quality cereal and protein hay is most in demand especially by the dairy sector who want to guarantee their milk production.
- Good volumes of feed have been coming from southern regions and this is expected to continue and from further afield depending on availability and price; reports have suggested decent quality hay has been landing in Bega from northern Victoria for around $280/t delivered.
- Some excess export oaten hay has also been available in the region of reasonable quality.
- A lot of canola hay has apparently been made but there are concerns over the quality of this due to the impact of frosts during the growing cycle.
- The need to buy feed in seems to be increasingly regarded as a necessity within the Bega region this year as local supply, especially of quality hay, will simply not be available.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($190 to $230/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($320 to $350/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($120 to $150/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($180 to $210/t). Prices remain steady this week.
Goulburn/Murray Valley
- Hay trading is dormant within the region as growers try to find windows of opportunity to make hay which is challenging because of a return to cool weather and showers; curing hay is an issue in the region at the present time.
- Prices have not changed this week.
- There is last season carryover hay continuing to go north into NSW and QLD with pricing around $100/t plus freight but this trade too, has slowed.
- It is still too early to predict the outcome of the new season hay production, but early indications are that with improved quality prices are expected to be in the range of $180/t for new season hay.
- Exporters remain very active in the market for new season quality hay and are paying $200-$220/t for quality.
- A lot of silage has been cut but the weather is also interrupting this.
- Very little lucerne is available in the region.
- Some vetch hay has recently been made and is of good quality and there is interest in this protein at the moment from a number of regions including southwest Victoria with prices around $200/t on farm.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($80 to $120/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($230 to $260/t). Prices remain steady.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($90 to $100/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: No supply reportedly available.
Gippsland
- Limited trade of hay was reported again this week with demand and enquiry low in the region but with the variance in seasonal conditions across Gippsland, this does vary depending on location.
- Some new season hay has been reportedly entering the east of the region from northern Victoria at around the $200/t price; cereal hay prices are variable according to whether its last season or new seasons hay.
- Farmers in the east, including the Macalister Irrigation District are reporting a continuation of dry conditions and will require more feed as the year progresses; there are reports of hay trucks heading east on a regular basis.
- Fodder production in and around Yarram and surrounding areas could be virtually non-existent this year.
- Contrasting this is around Warragul and into South Gippsland which is in good shape and experiencing great pasture growth.
- Silage production is in full swing around Warragul with reports of very good production results and second cuts potentially ready again by mid-November.
- We recommend obtaining a mould and yeast test, a feed test and using a trusted a supplier when purchasing fodder this year to ensure value for money.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($140 to $210/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($290 to $320/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($130 to $160/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($120 to $190/t). Prices remain steady this week.
Southwest Victoria
- Very little hay trading is occurring within the region at the moment and no changes in pricing reported; this situation is expected to remain for at least another 2-3 weeks.
- Hay production in the southwest of Victoria has not kicked off yet.
- There is an increasing level of enquiry within the region for quality protein hay.
- Some cereal hay is reportedly selling below the bottom of the reported range on farm, but this would be lesser quality and caution should be exercised when buying this.
- It’s predicted that the region will enjoy another strong year for production although less hay is expected to be made this year as less acreage was sown due to the large carryover of hay from last year.
- Hay growers are looking for a return to quality and consequently a return to a premium price for hay this year.
- Protein hay is still difficult to come by although there are reports of very good quality vetch hay available from northern Victoria at $250-$265/t delivered.
- Silage production is well underway in the region and the quality is reportedly very good.
- Obtaining a feed test when buying hay is highly recommended and that remains so for last season and new season hay.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($110 to $190/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($260 to $290/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($110 to $130/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($110 to $160/t). Prices remain steady this week.
Southeast South Australia
- Limited hay trading reported in the region this week with plenty of supply still available locally and consequently, no change in prices were reported.
- Reports suggest it has been a very good year for silage production.
- Pastures are reportedly in very good shape in the region with clover in abundance; this is also causing a softening in any local demand for hay.
- The region is still another fortnight or so away from getting into full hay production.
- There have been recent rain events throughout the region but not enough to cause any great concern for the current hay season.
- The general feeling is that region is in decent shape for a positive hay season.
- There are some reports of hay being sold off the back of the baler at the moment for $80-$110/t which is below the current reported range; care should be exercised when considering this hay and it is recommended a feed test be obtained (the extent of this practice is unknown and it may be opportunistic by a few growers).
- Growers are hoping for a boost in the quality of feed made this year and will likely produce good volumes although reports suggest less hay will be made this year in the region due to the carryover.
- NSW and QLD may rely on South Australia for supply more this season if tough seasonal conditions continue there.
- Reports suggest some cereal crops will go to grain this year and will not be cut for hay.
- The southeast region continues to be one of the most reliable in terms of cereal hay quality in the country.
- To ensure quality however we continue to advocate for the careful inspection of fodder before purchase and obtaining a feed test.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($90 to $140/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($240 to $300/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($90 to $120/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($100 to 150/t) Prices remain steady this week.
Central South Australia
- Trading is slow in the region at the moment especially with the current hay harvest in full swing and this being the priority for most growers.
- Recent rain has slowed the current hay harvest, which had been progressing well, but it has been of falls not expected to make a great impact, unless more develops.
- There has been no reported change in hay prices this week despite a feeling of the last few weeks that prices may be easing in response to the new season’s production becoming available and the need to move any remaining carryover stocks.
- Some growers are still looking to offload as much of last season’s hay as possible to make room in sheds in readiness for the new harvest – there is still plenty of carryover stock in the region.
- The trade to QLD seems to have slowed recently also; it is still occurring, but at a lesser rate.
- The region has made a good comeback from a late winter but acreage for hay is back this year because of last year’s excellent production; a few growers have decided not to make hay this year.
- The current outlook for this year’s crops has improved in recent weeks however some recently produced hay has had good colour but on testing, the quality has been down.
- Drier areas within the region are reportedly producing better quality hay.
- Good volumes of export hay are being made and the quality is reportedly very good also.
- Obtaining a feed test when buying hay is highly recommended.
- There is very little lucerne and straw in the region but that said there is limited interest in lucerne.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($80 to 130/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($250 to 300/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($80 to $110/t). Prices remain steady this week.
Southwest Western Australia
- There were no changes to hay prices in the west this week as trading remains in a lull whilst the new season hay harvest is underway.
- Rain events in the west have been causing issues with the current hay production and across the state there is a mixed bag of results being experienced with the season turning into a soft finish.
- Whilst it has stopped raining, it is a challenge to get cut hay cured; reportedly most hay has now been cut.
- There is view that hay quality will be lower this year.
- Later crops are expected to be of a better quality.
- Exporters are reported to have plenty of supply on hand but are also looking at new season supply at around the $200/t if the quality is there but they are reportedly being strict on their quality requirements.
- Domestically there is an expectation of higher demand after a dry winter but that may not eventuate in the domestic market till after Christmas.
- There remain reasonable good supplies of carryover stocks of low/medium grade hay in the system.
- We recommend obtaining a feed test as well as a mould and yeast test when purchasing fodder this year.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($140 to $180/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($450 to $490). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($90 to 110/t) Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($150 to $200/t). Prices remain steady this week.
Northwest Tasmania
- Hay trading is very quiet in the region at the moment with the focus on hay production.
- No price changes noted this week.
- Seasonal conditions are extremely varied now across the state with the north enjoying a very good season, the midlands (particularly further south) very dry, the east coast dry and some rain in the south.
- Protein hay remains in demand but of very limited supply with reports of virtually no lucerne available. There has been some lucerne cut and this has been reported as being excellent quality.
- There is also limited supply of good pasture hay and straw available.
- Reports indicate that good supplies should be available from this production season, especially from the north of the state.
- There are still good levels of supply from last season although this is expected to dwindle if parts of the state continue.
- There is an expectation that prices will begin to lift in January/February as feed supplies become more difficult to secure and the possibility of warm, dry conditions.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($160 to 220/t) Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($220 to 300/t) Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($100 to 140/t) Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($140 to 190/t) Prices remain steady this week.