National Summary
- Demand for fodder is on the cusp of a change as we enter the second half of summer. Hay trading appears to be picking up only very slightly in the far south of Australia as January temperatures begin to heat up. Areas that received little rainfall in late spring and December are beginning to dry out too, particularly in South Australia.
- Southwest Western Australia and the Atherton Tablelands were both hit with heavy rainfall this week. Ex-tropical Cyclone Joyce hit with areas reportedly receiving 100-200mm of rainfall in 24 hours which has increased demand for fodder after pastures have been wiped out.
- There is little straw being cut in the south of Australia after a heavy year in 2016, and summer sorghums and Rhodes grass pastures are also being cut in the north of New South Wales and south of Queensland.
- The export industry is beginning to assess new season fodder for shipment to China. Reports of high quality product is coming out of Western Australia, however after some persistent late spring and early summer rainfall across Australia, there is some weather damaged hay around.
- Trading generally is slow and dormant in most regions and prices remain steady. Domestic demand is expected to lift as the summer heat dries out pastures.
Northern Australia Summary
- Summer has kicked off in north-eastern Australia with hot temperatures and reports of high humidity heading into the wet season.
- There is still a feed-gap in southern Queensland, which could lead to price firms and shifting demand to the Victorian market for good quality protein and energy fodder.
- Demand for product in northern Queensland is low, as persistent rainfall coupled with favourable growing temperatures has encouraged on farm grazing.
- 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 trading is dormant in the south with pockets of enquiry, largely due to late spring weather conducive to growing green pastures and plenty of carryover from 2016.
- There is some silage production and feeding in the southern region, particularly Bega and in West Gippsland.
- There have been some reports of haystack fires due to high moisture content and is it recommended that bale moisture is tested prior to stacking.
- Due to high levels of persistent rainfall in spring, we recommend obtaining a mould and yeast test, a feed test, and using a trusted a supplier.
- 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
- Heavy rainfall has decimated pastures, increasing demand for animal feed this week.
- Pasture prices remain highly variable depending on the species of grass. Unimproved meadow pasture should fetch lower prices compared to improved sown clover and medic varieties.
- Straw harvests are beginning to wind up as they move south.
- 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 and should continue after a dry winter.
- The domestic market is not expected to provide a lift in hay trading until late January.
- 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
- Reportedly parts of the coast have received 100-200mm rainfall in 24 hours this week. Storms and rainfall is quite patchy though with other areas receiving only 30mm of rain.
- Although there is not much haymaking in the Tablelands due to rainfall, reports of hay being made further southwest in Hughenden may be impacting on demand.
- Otherwise, demand for local hay in the Tablelands is still quiet.
- Traders will be looking to move old season stock to make room for new season hay in sheds.
- 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
- Warm-hot weather and patchy rains continue to be reported in the Downs region. Patchy rainfall has left some growers without rain for some time and others with plenty of green pastures and consistency is lacking.
- Some forage sorghum is starting to be cut for hay. There has been stormy weather reported so minor damage to new sorghum is to be expected.
- Limited demand from dairy feedlots because of the patchy rain.
- The Darling Downs feed gap is still present however local demand for feed has decreased, most likely due to patchy rainfall.
- Prices remain steady this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($280 to $320/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($300 to $400/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($180 to $250/t). Prices remain steady this week.
North Coast NSW
- After quite a lot of persistent rainfall in the end of 2017, the north coast is experiencing an unusual dry spell with temperatures in the 30’s.
- Reportedly, rainfall at this time of year is present and consistent, and silage would be made. Due to the break in rainfall, Rhodes grass and millet hay are currently being made with silage.
- Demand is very weak in the north coast region of New South Wales with little enquiry and trading occurring.
- There are reports of concern on quality of hay produced this season, as persistent rainfall encouraged growth and compromised on hay grading.
- No price changes are noted this week.
- 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
- Demand is fairly quiet yet steady in the central west of New South Wales. Regular contractors such as feedlots, dairy, equine and produce industries are keeping things steady yet there is limited external demand in the market right now.
- Lucerne is currently being cut and baled, as is a little bit of millet. Quality is second-grade this year as average summer rainfall prevented cutting at the optimum stage, but yields should be adequate.
- The price of straw has eased this week. There is very little straw available in the region and is generally of poor quality with rain damage after the grain harvest.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($150 to $220/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($250 to $350/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: -$10 ($80 to $90/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($150 to 200/t). Prices remain steady this week.
Bega Valley
- Demand is reportedly steady in Bega.
- Temperatures have been mild-warm in January and demand is expected to increase as temperatures heat up.
- Pasture prices vary greatly due to different species found in paddocks. Sown clovers should sell for a higher price than meadow grasses.
- There is no change in price reported this week.
- 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 ($140 to $210/t). Prices remain steady this week.
Goulburn/Murray Valley
- Fodder is finished in the Goulburn Murray Valley.
- It is very hot and dry, which is typical for the region.
- Demand is very quiet at this time of year, however there is some enquiry coming through from Queensland this week. Demand is expected to lift in late summer to early autumn.
- 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
- A high demand in good quality cereal hay is to be expected in February 2018 once the silage is finished.
- 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.
- There have been no reported changes this week.
- 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
- Straw is being baled in Southwest Victoria but it is reportedly mainly for the export market.
- Demand for fodder is still quite slow at the moment and is expected to increase in February.
- There is some vetch enquiry in the region which is selling for $245-$265 (+GST) delivered.
- Good quality new season hay ranges from $140-$190, although there is a lot of carryover stock selling for less.
- 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
- Prices for cereal and lucerne have eased in the Southeast with very little demand for fodder in the area. According the sources, there is very little stock around to feed and an oversupply of feed from the bumper crop in 2016, and good supply in 2017.
- Sheds are very full of hay. There is still a lot of low-grade carryover in Southeast Australia, which has, and will continue to hamper local demand for feed.
- Land is beginning to dry out though, so it is expected that demand will increase – it’s too early to tell whether this will be enough to get through carryover.
- There was a fire reported in Murray Bridge last week that has destroyed the Thomas Foods International abattoir, Australia’s largest family-owned meat processing plant. It is still too early to tell how this will impact on the fodder market.
- New season vetch is available at $200/t on farm. Limited old-season vetch is available for $180-$190/t.
- Cereal hay: -$10 ($60 to $140/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Lucerne hay: -$30 ($160 to $200/t). Prices have eased 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
- Summer is in full swing Central South Australia, with few hot days as to be expected. Some areas, particularly Port Augusta are drying out, and enquiries for fodder have begun.
- Domestic trading is still fairly steady with plenty of carryover from 2016 and is not expected to pick up until the end of summer when local and interstate demand increases.
- There was a fire reported in Murray Bridge last week that has destroyed the Thomas Foods International abattoir, Australia’s largest family-owned meat processing plant. It is still too early to tell how this will impact on the fodder market.
- Obtaining a feed test when buying hay is highly recommended.
- No price changes noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($90 to 140/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
- Perth and the Southwest of Western Australia have been inundated with an unusual summer rainfall this week, as reported by the Bureau of Meteorology. Ex-tropical Cyclone Joyce hit on Monday with areas receiving over 100mm of rainfall in one day.
- Although there is little trading of fodder occurring at this time, it is expected that this will increase after Cyclone Joyce.
- The harvest is winding down for the season, as the last of straw grass is being cut and baled in the south. There wasn’t much straw produced this year in Western Australia as there was a high quantity produced last year and very little domestic demand. Export straw demand is consistent yet in small quantities.
- The export market demand is consistent in WA, as the exporters are just receiving new season oaten hay and are beginning to make assessments. Quality is high this year with minor weather damage.
- There is no price change noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($100 to $250/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($450 to $490). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($80 to 110/t) Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($80 to $200/t). Prices remain steady 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
- It is very dry in Tasmania at the moment with very little rainfall over late December and early January. There is little forecasted rain for this week, but not enough to sustain non-irrigated farmland.
- Demand is starting to pick up as a consequence with more enquiries for oaten hay reportedly in the Northwest.
- Grass straw is being cut and baling is just beginning. It is too early to tell what the quality of this harvest is and whether straw prices will change.
- There has been no change in price this week, but prices are expected to firm in the coming weeks.
- 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.