National Summary
- Heavy rainfall dominated most of the Australian wheat belt region in the past week. The rains stretched from South Australia through to most of Victoria and Tasmania, and reached the middle of New South Wales. Consequently, there was a flurry of activity leading up to the storm to protect harvests from damage with silos open for 24 hours. Overall, the weekend saw persistent light showers from Friday through Sunday, with minimal damage reported from flooding.
- Haymaking was put to an abrupt halt during the rains, and after some post-rain growth, cutting has now resumed. There is very little demand across Australia for fodder, except for small pockets such as southern Queensland, where prices have firmed accordingly. Pricing will largely depend on quality and quantity of product this year.
- Challenges currently facing the market are of hay quality, with rains interrupting curing and baling. Moisture content in bales may be higher on average and it is suggested that tests are frequently carried out to ensure safety and quality.
- There is growing interest from the dairy industry in high quality energy and protein hay and there is some vetch available out of Victoria. Long term supply of quality protein hay may not be assured this year and there is increasing demand to buy up stocks prior to the New Year.
- 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.
Northern Australia – Summary
- Weather in Northern Australia is presently unseasonal. Patchy rainfall has dominated the forecast for months, especially in the southern regions, reducing the ability to make hay.
- Generally, temperatures appear to be cooler on average.
- There is a feed-gap in southern Queensland firming prices and shifting demand to the Victorian market for good quality protein and energy fodder.
- Demand for product in north QLD is low, as persistent rainfall coupled with favourable growing temperatures have meant less feeding out and more grazing for animals.
- 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
- Prior to the weekend, the Bureau of Meteorology issued flood warnings throughout South Australia, Victoria, Tasmania and southern New South Wales. One of the biggest storms in a century was expected to hit Southern Australia and workers were on a 24 hour rotation prior to the rains.
- Generally, rainfall was not as extreme as predicted in most areas, which is a relief to land managers. There was a lot of rain received in Southern Australia ranging from 50 -200mm, however most of this was a manageable, soaking drizzle.
- Wet soils are not conducive to haymaking, however cutting has started again.
- Luckily, rainfall was well-received by some of the driest regions from Bega to West Gippsland to East Tasmania, filling up reservoirs and lifting the water table.
- Prices have remained dormant and demand is light.
- Hay and silage production is the focus almost entirely at the moment with the weather 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.
Western Australia – Summary
- There have been no changes in price of fodder in the past week, only an adjustment to pasture prices to account for the variability in product, ranging from cheaper meadow pasture to improved clover and medic varieties.
- Cereal harvesting is finished and straw is beginning to be cut and baled.
- 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
- There is very little to report on in the Atherton Tablelands with weather having not changed in the last two weeks.
- There are still forecasted thunderstorms and 50mm of rainfall received over the weekend which is conducive to summer planting.
- Demand is pretty low and slow, most likely due to unseasonal rainfall. This is expected to increase as the rain eases and temperatures heat up.
- Prices remain steady for this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($200 to $350/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.
Darling Downs
- This week marks the start of a 5-6 week feed gap in the Downs region, where winter supply is low and summer feed isn’t quite ready yet.
- The Downs missed out on the southern states rainfall and summer growth is slow.
- Demand for good quality protein and energy feed has increased and supply is beginning to come from the southern areas such as Victoria.
- The dairy industry is driving sales compared to feedlots which have reduced stocking rates and less need for feed.
- Due to high demand, prices have firmed this week.
- Cereal hay: +$5 ($280 to $320/t). Prices have firmed this week.
- Lucerne hay: +$15 ($330 to $420/t). Prices have firmed this week.
- Straw: +$15 ($180 to $250/t). Prices have firmed this week.
North Coast NSW
- No much haymaking to report this week, as the North Coast continues to receive downpours across the region. Fields are wet in some areas with 60mm of rain in the past weekend.
- Haymaking has been further delayed which is concerning for this as the delay is impacting on quality.
- Temperatures are reportedly much cooler than usual for this time of year, although warmer weather is forecast for next week.
- Local demand is fairly quiet and stocks are running low.
- There is a limited supply of cereal hay, lucerne and straw in the region. Lucerne is being sourced from Southern Queensland from Tamworth and Gatto.
- Very little vetch of good quality is available for $300-$350/t however there is reportedly little demand for this, except from the dairy industry.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($280 to $300/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($350 to $400/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($180 to $240/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($200 to $250/t). Prices remain steady this week.
Central West NSW
- The forecast southern Australia heavy rainfall hit the Central West region too with reports of up to 90-120mm rain. There has been no reports of flooding, just constant drizzle which has been soaked up by the land.
- There is little activity going on with cereal haymaking finished and sheds stacked ready to sell.
- Second cuts of lucerne are on hold whilst rain dominates daily weather. It is expected that only two cuts of lucerne will occur prior to Christmas, which is one short of usual.
- Lucerne quality might be second-grade this year as it has been left to grow during persistent rainfall, but yields should be adequate.
- One of the biggest challenge for Central West NSW is the persistent rainfall impacting on harvesting, dragging out the season. There is a lot of high moisture-content hay available. Temperatures are still relatively cool for this time of year.
- There is enquiry from within the region for good quality protein and demand for local protein from Bega. South Australia and Victoria are no longer purchasing from this area.
- Local demand from feedlots, dairy, equine and produce industries appears to be strong within the region, particularly for small squares. Large bales have dropped off in demand.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($180 to $220/t) Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($280 to $3500/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
- After a long and very dry year, Bega received some well needed rainfall over the weekend of 130mm.
- There are no reports of major flooding which was expected as the land was so dry; only slow drizzly rain which has soaked into the land.
- Bega growers are expecting to cut quite a lot of hay this year, increasing supply in the region, which is a relief to many farmers.
- No reports of damage to crops have been reported.
- Stormy weather is expected in the following week, as temperatures heat up.
- Demand is still strong and constant as a result of the lack of available feed over winter. Farmers are getting hay wherever they can find it.
- 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.
- 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
- Heavy rainfall reportedly ranging from 100-200mm in this region has had a huge impact on haymaking. Some crops have been decimated and flooded.
- There was a lot of activity prior to the rainfall event to save as much fodder and grain as possible from damage.
- Cutting has been interrupted whilst the soil is wet, with some areas affected more than others. Lucerne cuts will be underway by the end of the week in some areas following dry weather.
- Tropical weather in the Goulburn and Murray regions was reported last week, with cooler temperatures and low humidity returning after the storm. This is typically much cooler than usual for this time of year, which will impact on soil drying out post heavy rains. No rain is forecast this weekend.
- Otherwise, 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
- Gippsland received varying amounts of rainfall over the weekend from 40-100mm across the region.
- After months of dry weather, East Gippsland farmers have had some much needed relief with the Glenmaggie Weir spilling after predictions of running out of irrigation water in early 2018.
- Luckily, the rain fell steadily in most regions, rather than flooding and running off, which has wetted up the soil. Reportedly grass in some areas is starting to mature early though and brown, particularly in the South.
- Silage has begun to be fed out to cattle, which is typically very early for the season as this usually starts after Christmas. Some vetch is being moved around too, to make the silage last longer.
- A high demand in good quality cereal hay is to be expected in February 2018 once the silage is finished.
- Reportedly, there are concerns of plagues of army worms in the area.
- Due to the frequent rainfall in the west, we recommend obtaining a mould and yeast test, a feed test and using a trusted a supplier.
- Prices have not changed.
- 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. Prices are indicative for last season, with no new season straw available.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($120 to $240/t). Prices remain steady this week.
Southwest Victoria
- The western district of Victoria has had an abrupt end to the haymaking season with heavy rainfalls over the weekend. Some areas were not affected as much as others, with the Great Ocean Road in the south reportedly receiving 10mm compared to 40mm in the north.
- As reportedly previously, the region was expecting a good supply of wheaten hay from the frosts that decimated grain crops. The rainfall event last weekend damaged hay that was curing, which will no longer be baled.
- More rainfall is forecasted this week.
- Demand for fodder is still quite slow at the moment and very little changes in pricing is reported. There is enquiry for wheaten hay, however there is limited supply.
- There is very little interest in vetch at the moment which is selling for $245-$275 (+GST) delivered.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($110 to $190/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0($250 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
- There is very little demand for feed across Southeast South Australia at the moment, including dairy farmers.
- This region has received approximately 130mm rainfall in the last three weeks, spread over weekly intervals. Last weeks major rain event in south eastern Australia appears to have started in this region on Thursday, where reports of 30-40mm of rain had fallen in just 30 minutes. There doesn’t appear to be much damage or economic loss as most of the haymaking is finished for the season.
- Grass is still quite green in the southern areas, and may continue to be until after Christmas, which is most likely contributing to low demand.
- More rain is forecast this week, which is expected to slow down activity on farms.
- Temperatures are cooler than usual for this time of year.
- Exporters do not appear to be actively seeking supply.
- 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.
- New season vetch is available at $200/t on farm. Limited old-season vetch is available for $180-$190/t.
- No changes in pricing reported this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($80 to $140/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($160 to $260/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($60 to $90/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($70 to 150/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Central South Australia
- Central South Australia has received much-needed rainfall last week, ranging from 30-40mm in the mod north, after a reasonably dry spring.
- Most of the hay has been baled in the region, meaning that there was little damage done to fodder crops.
- Temperatures are a little cooler than usual however they expect to pick up in the coming week.
- Domestic trading is still slow and is not expected to pick up until the end of summer when local and interstate demand increases.
- Reportedly, trade of hay into QLD is steady.
- Exporters and growers are looking to sell mid-low grade carryover stocks to make room for new season good quality hay.
- Obtaining a feed test when buying hay is highly recommended.
- Cereal hay has firmed this week with no other changes to prices reported.
- Cereal hay: +$10 ($90 to 140/t). Prices have firmed 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
- Very little is to be reported from Western Australia after harvesting of cereals is complete. Straw baling has begun.
- Rain-affected hay supply from early September this year are being moved to marginal land in the North-East of Western Australia, to feed cattle and sheep. This product is on the cheaper end of the scale with price ranges expecting to firm as sheds run out in early January.
- Overall, the season has provided well for the WA fodder industry.
- Local demand is steady and there is some light trading going on. This is expected to pick up in January.
- Pasture hay prices have eased to account for large variation in quality of pasture on the market.
- 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: -$35 ($80 to $200/t). Prices have eased this week. It is worth noting that what is classified as pasture hay in WA can vary greatly from meadow hay to sewn medics, citronella and clovers. Medics and clovers expect to get higher prices than meadow grass.
Northwest Tasmania
- The driest regions of Tasmania in the north-east to south-east received some well-needed rain over the weekend with reports of up to 60-100mm.
- Some rivers in the northwest have risen and partly flooded, yet cutting has resumed only days later.
- The large amount of rain appears to have soaked most of the land and filled reserves, which is promising for irrigators. There are no reports of damage to cereals thus far, except for some light erosion.
- The rains should extend the growing season, increasing supply of fodder in Tasmania.
- There is still a lot of carryover from last season.
- There has been no change in price this week and trading is still fairly quiet.
- 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.