National Summary
- There is very little demand across Australia for fodder, as the country transitions from Spring to Summer. New season harvests are starting to trickle into the market, which will see a change in price. Pricing will largely depend on quality and quantity of product this year and whether there remains any carryover from last year.
- The focus for growers remains almost entirely on hay and silage production, as rainfall eases, and temperatures rise. Most areas in Victoria have had favourable weather this season attributing to high yields of good quality fodder.
- There is range of varying quality product around in central to western Victoria and South Australia as stockpiles of last season hay continue to be pushed locally and interstate. 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.
- 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 and there is increasing demand to buy up stocks prior to the new year.
- Exporters continue to be ac tive 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.
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
- Similarly to last week, Atherton Tablelands is still experiencing unseasonal weather, with frequent daily rainfall and cooler temperatures impacting on planting, haymaking and demand for feed.
- 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 ranging from 4-14mm. Temperatures appear to be heating up.
- 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 again from $120 to $99 for a large bale (500kg) of pasture.
- Pasture hay: +/-$5 ($200 to $350/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
- 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: +/-$0 ($270 to $320/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($320 to $400/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($160 to $220/t). Prices remain steady this week.
North Coast NSW
- Unseasonal rainfall in the North Coast New South Wales region continues this week, with just enough rain to delay haymaking.
- 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 Southern Queensland from Tamworth and Gatton as there’s not much available in the region.
- Some vetch of good quality has been made and sold for $300-$350/t.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($280 to $300/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: -$15 ($350 to $400/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($200 to $240/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($200 to $250/t). Prices remain steady this week.
Central West NSW
- Lucerne and failed canola harvest is still in its infancy in the region.
- Canola hay that was cut after frosts is of very good quality, selling at $160+ per tonne. There is limited availability of canola.
- Weather is challenging for the region with big storms and heavy rainfall in the last week. Temperatures are particularly cool for this time of year.
- Cereal hay harvesting is finished and not very good quality or adequate quantity for the season. Harvested oaten hay has already been directly sold or stored to contracted feedlots and dairy farms.
- The region is buying cereal hay from Victoria and South Australia.
- Production was down reportedly down 80% in some areas, 25% in others.
- 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.
- Small squares of lucerne are in high demand from the equine industry.
- Hay prices remain relatively steady with pasture production very low this year.
- There are no enquiries for straw currently, however there is also limited availability.
- Cereal hay: +$10 ($140 to $220/t) Prices have firmed this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($300 to $400/t) Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($110 to $130/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($150 to 200/t). Prices remain steady 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 and trading remains dormant.
- Supply continues to be limited as Bega went through very dry autumn and winter seasons, which has subsequently dried out land. There has been some rain over the last week, however only enough to maintain surface moisture and keep grass growing.
- 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.
- More rain is forecast in the coming week.
- Temperatures are not out of the ordinary for the season.
- Lucerne and high protein feeds are in demand in the region for dairy.
- The is a shortage of feed in 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 has had some steady weather over the last month with haymaking close to complete for the season.
- Rainfall of 25-50mm was reported in the last week which disrupted the last cute of ryegrass and pasture hays.
- Summer millets and sorghum have gone in with stable weather and fairly priced irrigated water.
- Lucerne is in high demand particularly from the equine feed stores and dairy industry, and is reaching prices of $300 per tonne for high quality product.
- Vetch is also in demand as a protein fodder and has slightly reduced in price from $200 too $180 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 has been protein enquiry and new season hay from feedlots in NSW as suppliers can’t meet their contracts.
- Prices remain steady this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($80 to $140/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($230 to $300/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($90 to $100/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($150-180/t). Prices remain steady this week.
Gippsland
- Weather across Gippsland from the south, east and west is variable.
- West and South Gippsland tend to be having productive weather for high yielding silage and hay. Reportedly, there were some thunderstorms, last week, but the rain has mostly stopped and haymaking is underway.
- 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%.
- There are some concerns within the district that supply of silage will be low after Christmas as there’s talk that farmers will begin to feed in the next week or two, mixed with oaten hay to promote longevity in supply.
- 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.
- Demand is beginning to become steady again as the region heats up and the rain clears.
- New season vetch is selling for $250-290 tonne in the west.
- Prices have not changes for other fodder classes.
- 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 $240/t). Prices remain steady this week.
Southwest Victoria
- Demand for fodder within the southwestern region is slow at the moment and no changes in pricing reported.
- There is more grazing than haymaking reported.
- Two weeks ago, 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 was some rain in the last week but not enough to cause a lot of damage to new season hay.
- There is an increasing level of enquiry within the region for quality protein hay. Some protein is moving as demand and pricing is low before an expected increase after Christmas.
- 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.
- 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
- According to sources, Southeast South Australia is having one of the best seasons in 16 years for hay production with quantity and quality up, although plenty of stockpiles which may impact on prices.
- Weather has been particularly good in the last week, with rain clearing mid-week to allow for more cutting and baling.
- There had been rains prior of up to 50mm in the week, with some lucerne spoilage reported. The hay produced so far has been of excellent quality and has been able to handle well in the rain.
- Very little trade is happening and little enquiry also. Not much coming from the north-eastern states.
- 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.
- Limited vetch is available for $180-$190/t, easing the price of lucerne.
- Reports suggest some cereal crops will go to grain this year and will not be cut for hay.
- The southeast region continues to be one of the most reliable in terms of cereal hay quality in the country.
- Cereal hay: -$ ($80 to $140/t). Prices have firmed this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($220 to $260/t). Prices have eased 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.
- Hay production has mostly finished and straw is about to start being baled.
- 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.
- 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
- Storms and heavy rainfall in early and late September for some areas in south-western WA have interrupted harvesting and curing but overall, the season has provided well.
- Considering there was a reported hard start and soft finish this year, yields are high of varying quality.
- Hay prices haven’t changed this week with local demand steady.
- 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: +/-$0 ($100 to $200/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
- Trading is very quiet in the region at the moment with the focus on finishing off silage production and the early commencement of haymaking.
- There has not been too much price fluctuation this week.
- The northeast and southeastern regions of Tasmania are experiencing unseasonal dry and warm temperatures at this time of year, with no rainfall in three weeks.
- Rain is a limiting factor to quantity of hay, and since most of Tasmania has been experiencing a dry spell, haymaking is expected to commence early and supply will be limited.
- Frosts that came through the Western region of Victoria also moved through Tasmania last week damaging crops. It is reported that most of the hay will be cut over the next fortnight.
- Quality of hay this season is expected to be average. There is also limited supply of good pasture hay and straw available.
- There is still a lot of carryover from last season and this should tide Tasmania through the year.
- 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.