Hay Report – 3 August 2018

2 Aug 2018 | Hay Reports

National Summary

  • As another month draws to a close we look to the coming months and what they may bring.
  • Warmer weather has been experienced through many of the regions this week. Regions in NSW were the only ones to report frosts, these being severe in the central west region. This warmer weather has allowed some of the dormant crops in east Gippsland to germinate.
  • Demand in the north, east and south is strong. Supply in these regions is limited and is becoming increasingly difficult to source. Good growth in the west continues to ease the demand for fodder in this region.
  • Pasture hay prices have firmed in The Atherton Tablelands, Central West NSW, North coast NSW, Bega valley and southeast South Australia. There have been no price changes noted in the Darling Downs, the Goulburn Valley and Southwest Western Australia.
  • There is a lot of hay being transported around the country of varying quality. We caution buyers and recommend feed-testing and viewing fodder before purchasing to be sure of quality of feed.

National Commentary

Northern Australia – Summary

  • Protein and roughage is becoming difficult to source in the north, alternative feeds such as sorghum stubble and high-moisture corn stubble is being used in the region.
  • Alternative fodder supplies such as almond hulls and cottonseed are impacting on the fodder market at present. These alternate food supplies are starting to become more difficult to source and increasingly expensive.
  • 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.
  • The Government has announced subsidies for transport of fodder, moving livestock and water infrastructure to support eligible farmers in NSW affected by drought. This can be backdated to 1st January 2018.

Southern Australia – Summary

  • Rainfall is beginning to moisten soils in some of the region but much more is needed.
  • The Government has announced subsidies for transport of fodder, moving livestock and water infrastructure to support eligible farmers in NSW affected by drought. This can be backdated to 1st January 2018.
  • New season hay is selling quickly and there is limited carryover stock from 2016 moving across Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania and South Australia.
  • Demand is exceeding supply in Central West New South Wales and predicted in Northern Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia.
  • The demand for cereal hay is strong and is expected to remain. Cereal hay supplies are beginning to deplete.
  • 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.

Western Australia – Summary

  • There is good growth in Western Australia and the domestic demand for fodder has eased.   
  • Due to changes in the live export industry there is more straw available on the market.
  • 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 has been consistent dry weather in the Atherton Tablelands.
  • There is a lot of hay being made in the region this week. It has been postulated that that after this cut there will not be a lot left to make in the region.
  • Enquiry is very strong in the Atherton tablelands. Avocado growers are also looking to secure some of this hay being made.
  • Prices have firmed this week.
  • Pasture hay: +68 ($300 to $385/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.
  • Due to the shortage of hay in the region, it is cautioned to be wary of the weight of bales, with farmers packing lighter bales for sale.

Darling Downs

  • Some areas in the Darling Downs received light rain on Monday with Toowoomba recording 4.4mm. This was not enough to wet the soil and the region remains dry.
  • There has been little planted this season and farmers are focusing on sourcing feed which is difficult given the limited supply of fodder. It has been reported that baled cane sugar is being sourced from the Northern Rivers of NSW and corn stalks are being baled as roughage.
  • Demand for fodder is high in the Darling Downs. There is a shortage of hay in the region. There is very limited supply of cereal hay, lucerne and straw.
  • Prices remain steady this week.
  • Cereal hay: +/-0 ($400 to $450/t). Prices remain steady this week.
  • Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($440 to $550/t). Prices remain steady this week.
  • Straw: +/-$0 ($250 to $320/t). Prices remain steady this week.
  • Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($200 to $300/t) Prices remain steady this week. Northern pasture price ranges are now being reported. Please note, these are different to southern species

North Coast NSW

  • North coast new south wales remains dry this week with light frosts reported.
  • The Government has announced subsidies for transport of fodder, moving livestock and water infrastructure to support eligible farmers in NSW affected by drought. This can be backdated to 1st January 2018.
  • There is some Rhodes grass being baled in the region, most of which is now spoken for and heading to the Northern Tablelands. It has been reported that a lot of this Rhodes grass is frost affected. There is a lot of low quality fodder being moved in this region.
  • Local demand has increased in the region and enquiry remains strong. There is a lot being carted to the Tablelands from this region. Cereal hay is being sourced from Victoria, and Lucerne is coming from South Australia.
  • Prices changes have been noted this week.
  • Cereal hay:  +/-0 ($350 to $450/t). Prices remain steady this week.
  • Lucerne hay: +75 ($500 to $600/t). Prices have firmed this week.
  • Straw: -25 ($200 to $300/t). Prices have eased this week.
  • Pasture hay: +30 ($330 to $410/t). Prices have firmed this week.

Central West NSW

  • Central West NSW received light patchy rain on Sunday, Orange received 4mm, Dubbo 2.4mm, areas such as Forbes only received 0.4mm. This was not enough to wet the soil and severe frosts have dried out any moisture in the soil.
  • The Government has announced subsidies for transport of fodder, moving livestock and water infrastructure to support eligible farmers in NSW affected by drought. This can be backdated to 1st January 2018.
  • Most crops in the region have not germinated, those that have are only just out of the ground and a lot of these are being grazed by kangaroos.
  • Demand for hay remains high in Central West NSW, with limited supplies available. Hay is being carted into the region from Victoria and South Australia. This is increasingly difficult to source. While there is quality hay being moved in the region, much of the fodder being sourced is now of lower quality.
  • It is reported that Vetch can be sourced in the region for $400-$450/t delivered.
  • Priced have firmed this week.
  • Cereal hay:  +10 ($350 to $440/t). Prices have firmed this week.
  • Lucerne hay: +25 ($400 to $450/t). Prices have firmed this week.
  • Straw: +15 ($220 to $320/t). Prices have firmed this week.
  • Pasture hay: +95 ($350 to $440/t). Prices have firmed this week.

Bega Valley

  • Bega has remained dry this week. Light frosts were experienced on Tuesday, despite this the weather was unseasonably warm.
  • The Government has announced subsidies for transport of fodder, moving livestock and water infrastructure to support eligible farmers in NSW affected by drought. This can be backdated to 1st January 2018.
  • As crops continue to struggle some farmers have started irrigation, which is a bit early in the season.
  • The demand for fodder is strong in the region and supply is limited. There is a lot of hay being carted into the area, mainly from Victoria and South Australia. There is a lot of low quality fodder being moved in this region.
  • Prices have firmed this week.
  • Cereal hay: +65 ($400 to $500/t). Prices have firmed this week.
  • Lucerne hay: +60 ($500 to $550/t). Prices have firmed this week.
  • Straw: +5 ($180 to $200/t). Prices have firmed this week.
  • Pasture hay: +65 ($330 to $450/t). Prices have firmed this week.

Goulburn/Murray Valley

  • Goulburn Valley had a couple of drizzly days this week but has not received rainfall to wet soils.
  • Crops in the Goulburn Valley region are in need of some substantial rainfall. Growth has slowed and canola crops are struggling.
  • The demand for fodder remains strong in the region, with limited supplies left. Pasture and protein hay are particularly difficult to source.
  • Prices remain steady this week.
  • Cereal hay: +/-0 ($190 to $300/t). Prices remain steady this week.
  • Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($300 to $400/t). Prices remain steady this week
  • Straw: +/-0 ($100 to $150/t). Prices remain steady this week.
  • Pasture hay: +/-0 ($160 to $250/t). Prices remain steady this week.

Gippsland

  • South and West Gippsland have received some good rainfall this week with Wonthaggi recording 22mm and Mt Baw Baw recording 14mm. This was not experienced in the East of the region which remains dry.
  • There are a lot of crops in the east lying dormant. The warmer weather this week has allowed some of these to germinate. Calving has started and it has been reported that this is occurring at a high rate. People are feeding their stock, which is difficult given the limited supply of fodder. There is a lot of low quality fodder being moved in this region.
  • The demand for hay in the region is very strong. Many farmers in Gippsland have been shocked at the change in the supply of fodder and were not prepared for the current situation.
  • It is reported there is some vetch available for $400 to $500/t delivered locally.
  • Cereal hay and straw prices have firmed this week.
  • Cereal hay: +30 ($340 to $360/t). Prices have firmed this week.
  • Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($400 to $500/t). Prices remain steady this week.
  • Straw: +45 ($180 to $250/t). Prices have firmed this week.
  • Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($250 to $300/t). Prices remain steady this week.

Southwest Victoria

  • Southwest Victoria received patchy rainfall Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with Warrnambool receiving 31mm over these days, Hamilton 17.2mm, Casterton 14.6mm and Ararat 6.4mm.
  • Crops in the region have experienced good growth this season and are looking healthy.
  • The demand in this region remains strong and is primarily coming from NSW. Supply is limited and fodder is becoming difficult to source.
  • Prices for cereal hay have firmed this week.
  • Cereal hay: +20 ($250 to $300/t). Prices have firmed this week.
  • Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($300 to $380/t). Prices remain steady this week.
  • Straw: +/-0 ($140 to $165/t). Prices remain steady this week.
  • Pasture hay: +/-0 ($200 to $260/t). Prices remain steady this week.

Southeast South Australia

  • Southeast South Australia received patchy rainfall this week. Mt Gambier recorded 23mm, Naracoorte 17mm, Padthaway 14mm and Keith 5mm.
  • The region has had good rainfall and crops are looking healthy. The north of the region is drier and crops in this part of the region have slowed growth.
  • Demand remains high in Southeast South Australia, primarily coming from NSW and Central South Australia. There is limited hay available, and most of what is being moved is contractual.           
  • Pasture and Lucerne hay prices have firmed this week.
  • Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($200 to $300/t). Prices remain steady this week.
  • Lucerne hay: +10 ($320 to $400/t). Prices have firmed this week.
  • Straw: +/-0 ($120 to $150/t). Prices remain steady this week.
  • Pasture hay: +45 ($200 to $300/t). Prices have firmed this week.

Central South Australia

  • Central South Australia received light patchy rainfall over the week. There have been strong winds in the region and rains predicted over the next couple of days.
  • Growth in the region is slow. It is reported that many crops are 6 – 8 weeks behind an average year and that they lack any bulk.
  • The demand in this region is strong and it continues to increase. This is coming from NSW and parts of Victoria. Supplies are extremely limited, with most hay spoken for.
  • Cereal hay prices have firmed this week.
  • Cereal hay: +35 ($240 to $300/t). Prices have firmed this week.
  • Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($270 to $350/t). Prices remain steady this week.
  • Straw: +/-0 ($120 to $150/t). Prices remain steady this week.

Southwest Western Australia

  • Wet weather continues in the region with Bridgetown recording 25mm over the week.
  • Western Australia is experiencing good growth, crops are looking healthy and green feed is coming through.
  • Demand for fodder continues to ease in the region.
  • Prices remain steady this week.
  • Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($180 to $250/t). Prices remain steady this week.
  • Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($450 to $490). Prices remain steady this week.
  • Straw: +/-0 ($80 to 140/t). Prices remain steady this week.
  • Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($80 to $200/t). Prices remain steady this week.

Northwest Tasmania

 

  • The wet weather continues in the Northwest of Tasmania with Smithton recording 64mm and Launceston recording 47mm.
  • Crops are still looking good and healthy in the North of the state.  
  • Demand remains strong in the region. Most high quality hay has now been moved and lower quality stock is now being carted. Fodder is increasingly difficult to source.
  • Cereal hay prices have firmed this week.
  • Cereal hay: +20 ($210 to $250/t) Prices have firmed this week.
  • Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($300 to $350/t) Prices remain steady this week.
  • Straw: +/-0 ($200 to $240/t) Prices remain steady week.
  • Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($140 to $200/t) Prices remain steady this week.