National Summary
- The hay market remains largely inactive this week with very little demand, trade and interest and as a result. Prices are beginning to change as new season harvests are coming onto the market.
- 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 faring 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, and early reports are showing this.
- 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.
- 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 for cereal, pasture and lucerne hay have eased.
- The north is experiencing unseasonal weather at this time, with plenty of rainfall and cooler temperatures which has brought relief to many farmers and contributed to less demand for fodder.
- Soil preparations and summer-crop sowing has been relaxed by persistent rainfall, however northern NSW has been able to start planting. Contingent on rainfall over summer, crops expect to produce well for the region.
- The level of enquiry and buying from southern regions seems to have slowed for the moment.
- 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 with demand expected to be greater than supply.
- 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
- Hay prices are beginning to firm this week as good quality, new season hay is coming onto the market.
- However, Southern Australia is generally experiencing a lull in trade and demand for hay and there is a feeling this will remain the case for some weeks to come as rain continues to fall.
- 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.
- 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; Western Victoria regions endured severe frosts this week with some wheat crops suffering 50% losses. Bega and South Gippsland are still suffering without adequate rainfall. This situation will continue to create extra pressure on supply, especially for good quality protein and cereal hay.
Western Australia – Summary
- Prices in the west have remained relatively steady this week, with cereal hay easing slightly to account for varying qualities in the market as new season becomes available.
- Harvesting of hay for baling and silage is well underway with weather amenable to the task.
- The current harvest is of superior quality and in higher yields to that earlier in September.
- There remains reasonable good supply of carryover stocks of low/medium grade hay in the system but care should be exercised when buying this.
- Demand for carryover hay from the northern WA sheep industry is strong this week and should continue after a dry winter.
- 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
- Atherton Tablelands is currently experiencing unseasonal weather, with frequent daily rainfall and cooler temperatures impacting on summer maize and peanut preparations, and decreasing local demand for pasture hay.
- At this time of year, short, heavy storms of high rainfall and hot temperatures are expected, however the Tablelands are experiencing weather patterns akin to July cool temperatures and drizzly rainfall of 3-5mm per day.
- Soil preparations and summer-crop sowing have been slowed as a consequence of the wet conditions. The planting window for maize and peanuts is from early November until Christmas, so it’s still too early to determine if supply will be low in summer. Few farmers have begun to sow maize.
- Pasture harvesting and baling is continuous throughout the year in this region, however it is currently relaxed due to rainfall.
- Demand for pasture hay, which is predominantly Rhodes grass in the Tablelands, is low due to unseasonal rainfall.
- Prices have dropped to $120 for a large bale (500kg) of pasture and $33 per small bale (100kg).
- Pasture hay: -$35 ($240 to $300/t). Prices have eased.
- Note: Hay in the Atherton Tablelands is traditionally priced at $/bale, so it is important to check bale weights for conversion.
Darling Downs
- A substantial summer planting has occurred in the Darling Downs region recently, as heavy October rains settle. Forages such as sorghum, millets, cottons, corn and mung beans have all been planted out. The region is expecting a large supply of summer forages in February, contingent on regular rainfall.
- After a particularly warm October, temperatures continue to be cooler than usual at this time of year. This doesn’t appear to be having an impact on growth.
- 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.
- Lucerne was coming in from Gatton last week, with supply extending further south into NSW from Dubbo and Forbes.
- There is limited supply of cereals in the region.
- 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.
- Prices have slightly eased as winter crops are coming into the market.
- Demand appears to be relatively stable however is expected to drop as more winter crops are becoming available.
- 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: -$15 ($270 to $320/t). Prices have eased
- Lucerne hay -$40 ($320 to $400/t). Prices have eased.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($160 to $220/t). Prices remain steady this week.
North Coast NSW
- Unseasonal rainfall in the North Coast New South Wales region has continued. Reportedly heavy rains were falling five out of seven days a week, which makes pasture, vetch and cereal haymaking difficult.
- Along with the rains, the temperature this season is ten degrees cooler than usual, slowing plant growth.
- Quality of pasture in September was very ordinary after a dry winter and late frosts. Not all of crops were cut.
- Although wet conditions have slowed demand for feed, forecasted summer production of rice, soy and corn remain positive if the rains continue.
- There is a limited supply of cereal hay, lucerne and straw in the region. Lucerne is being sourced from Tamworth.
- Some vetch of good quality has been made and sold for $300-$350/t.
- Cereal hay: -$35 ($280 to $300/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Lucerne hay: -$25 ($380 to $400/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($200 to $240/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: -$40 ($200 to $250/t). Prices have eased this week.
Central West NSW
- Wheat, grain and canola harvesting is underway in Central West New South Wales, with storage facilities opening up for their second day. Approximately 10% has been cut.
- The region is experiencing an uncharacteristic yet windy ‘spring’ this year compared with typical winter-summer transitions. Temperatures are particularly cool for this time of year. Rain is forecast this week, which may impact on the wheat, grain and canola harvest. Otherwise, it’s normal haymaking weather aided by irrigated water after a very dry winter.
- Cereal hay harvesting is finished for the season which have either been directly sold or stored to contracted feedlots and dairy farms. Production was down 25% this year. Demand is consistent.
- There is a high demand for good quality hay from dairy farms and feedlots.
- Lucerne hay was sold straight off the farm and there hasn’t been much stored. Price for good quality lucerne has increased by $50 per tonne.
- Small bales of lucerne are in high demand and if the quality is there are attracting a price of $13/bale (+ GST).
- There is limited availability of canola.
- The region will look to Victoria and South Australia for hay especially if good supplies are available in these regions.
- Hay prices remain relatively steady with pasture production very low this year.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($140 to $200/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +$25 ($300 to $400/t) Prices have firmed this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($110 to $130/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +$15 ($150 to 200/t). Prices have firmed this week.
Bega Valley
- There were no changes to hay prices reported in the Bega region this week. Prices remain steady for cereal hay, lucerne, straw and pasture hay.
- Supply continues to be limited as Bega went through very dry autumn and winter seasons, which has subsequently dried out land. Reports are suggesting frosts impacted on quality of canola harvest.
- There is limited work for contractors in the region, with most of the harvest and ryegrass silage completed and farmers deciding to let their crops go to grain.
- There is 30mm of forecasted rain for Bega Valley this week, which may slow the little haymaking that’s left.
- Temperatures are not out of the ordinary for the season.
- Lucerne and high protein feeds are in demand in the region for dairy.
- 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
- The Goulburn Murray Valley region is having productive haymaking and summer planting weather over the last fortnight with ryegrass pastures on second to last cut, and lucerne on second cut for the season.
- Summer millets and sorghum have begun to be sowed with stable weather and fairly priced irrigated water.
- A lot of silage has been cut and finished however yields are down this year. With carryover pasture from last year, this shouldn’t impact too much on farmers.
- Cereal harvesting finished up last week producing good yields of fairly good quality in most areas. Cereal prices have firmed this week due to new season supply coming on the market.
- Lucerne is in high demand particularly from the equine market and is reaching prices of $300 per tonne for high quality product.
- Vetch is also in demand as a protein fodder and is reaching $200 per tonne.
- New season pasture hay is back in supply this week fetching prices of $150-180 per tonne, however there is limited supply this season.
- There is no longer much enquiry from northern NSW and QLD for carryover hay however the Goulburn Murray region is now sending some south to Gippsland.
- Cereal hay: +$10 ($80 to $140/t). Prices have firmed this week.
- Lucerne hay: +$20 ($230 to $300/t). Prices have firmed this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($90 to $100/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: ($150-180/t). Pasture is back on the market.
Gippsland
- Weather across Gippsland is variable and seems that West and South Gippsland tend to be having productive weather for high yielding silage and hay. Warragul and southern Gippsland areas are experiencing dry weather over the last week which is amenable to cutting and curing.
- East Gippsland has had a dry spell over the last six weeks and although quality of hay and silage is up this year, quantity is reportedly down by 50%.
- New season pasture hay prices have firmed however there is still carryover from last year.
- Limited trade of hay was reported. Hay trucks are heading to East Gippsland.
- New season hay is up to $210 per tonne.
- 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.
- New season vetch is selling for $310 tonne in the west.
- 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: +$25 ($120 to $240/t). Prices have firmed 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 weeks.
- Hay production in the southwest of Victoria has not kicked off yet.
- Severe frosts have reportedly damaged 50% of mature and maturing wheat crops near Great Western, Ararat, Lake Bolac, and Tatyoon, which has started some hay production.
- There is an increasing level of enquiry within the region for quality protein hay.
- 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-$260/t (+GST) delivered with carryover at $180 per tonne.
- Silage production is well underway in the region and the quality is reportedly very good.
- 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
- Rain is falling in the region as we produce this report and that has put a halt to current hay production (on top of quite reasonable falls already experienced).
- Depending on the location, hay may be ready to cut, has already been cut and in some instances, baled and shedded.
- In the Mallee the hay season has all but finished and they hope to be baling straw in a couple of weeks.
- Very little hay trading reported in the region this week (domestic demand is reportedly flat) and with plenty of supply still available locally, prices have eased a little.
- The hay produced so far has been of excellent quality and has been able to handle quite well the rain that has fallen.
- Pastures are reportedly in very good shape in the region with clover in abundance and with ongoing rain events, pastures are holding up well; this is also causing a softening in any local demand for hay.
- There are some reports of new season hay being sold off the back of the baler at the moment for $100-$110/t which is below the current reported range; this price point reflects the volumes of carryover stocks still in the region.
- Good quality vetch hay has been reported as making $180-$190/t and this may soften the current lucerne price indicated at some stage.
- 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: -$15 ($80 to $120/t). Prices eased this week but pricing will vary according to if the hay is last season carryover stocks or new season hay.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($240 to $300/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: -$15 ($80 to $100/t). Prices eased this week in response to the impact of carryover hay as a substitute for straw.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($100 to 150/t) Prices remain steady this week.
Central South Australia
- Domestic trading is very slow in the region at the moment not helped by rain which is falling at present.
- Hay production has mostly finished in the region and straw is about to start being baled which looks quite good (although it may be discoloured with the current rain).
- There has been no reported change in hay prices this week.
- Growers are still looking to offload as much of last season’s hay as possible and exporters are looking to move last season’s hay before making new season, greener hay available to customers.
- The trade of hay to QLD is still occurring.
- 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; some growers have decided not to make hay this year.
- Current season hay is of a good colour but the feed tests for quality have not been as good as hoped, most likely as a result of the dry finish for many crops; yields have been in the 8-12/t hectare range.
- Obtaining a feed test when buying hay is highly recommended.
- There is very little lucerne and straw in the region at present but that said there is limited interest in lucerne; straw supplies will start to increase with baling about to begin.
- 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
- South Western Australia is coming off the end of their harvest this week with hay sheds filling up.
- Considering there was a reported hard start and soft finish this year, yields are high of varying quality. Storms and heavy rainfall in early and late September for some areas interrupted harvesting and curing but overall, the season has provided well.
- Hay prices remain relatively unchanged this week, with local demand steady. The only change is varying price in cereal hay as quality is of a large range.
- The current harvest is of high yields and better quality than earlier in the spring.
- There is a still a lot of export carry-over from last year in sheds as export demand wasn’t as strong. There is demand from the north WA sheep regions.
- We recommend obtaining a feed test as well as a mould and yeast test when purchasing fodder this year.
- Cereal hay: -$10 ($100 to $200/t). Prices have eased 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.