Hay Report – 10 August 2018

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 1^st 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 1^st 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.

National Summaries

Atherton Tablelands

• There was a light drizzle reported in the Atherton Tablelands last Thursday, since then the region has remained dry.
• There is still a lot of hay being made in the region, however the amount left to be made is becoming minimal. After this cut there might be some crops on irrigation that could be ready for a second cut in 8-12 weeks.
• Demand remains strong in the Atherton Tablelands this week. There is increased enquiry coming in from NSW. Supply in the region is becoming limited.
• Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($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

• The Darling Downs remains dry this week and heavy frosts have further dried soils. Frosts are forecasted to continue into the week.
• Feed supplies in the region are limited. Sorghum stubble and corn stalks are being used and supplies are running low. Alternative feed supplies such as cottonseed are becoming increasingly expensive and are difficult to source.
• Demand for fodder continues to be strong in the region. There is a shortage of hay in the Darling Downs.
• Pasture hay prices have firmed 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: +75 ($275 to $375/t) Prices have firmed this week. Northern pasture price ranges are now being reported. Please note, these are different to southern species

.North Coast NSW

• North Coast NSW received patchy rainfall this week with areas such as Glen Innes recording 10mm, and areas such as Lismore and Grafton recording none. There are rains predicted for next week.
• 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 1^st January 2018.
• Currently there is some early roughage being cut in the region, however most of this is of low quality. If the rain comes through there should be some early silage available in the region. There is still frosted Rhodes grass in the region being baled, most of which is now spoken for.
• Demand remains strong in north coast NSW. Roughage and Rhodes grass are being moved to central west NSW. Most hay being moved in the region is of low quality.
• Prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay:  +50 ($400 to $500/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($500 to $600/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +50 ($250 to $350/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Pasture hay: +30 ($350 to $450/t). Prices have firmed this week.

Central West NSW

• Patchy rainfall fell on Central West NSW this week and frosts have also been reported. Orange recorded 32mm, Dubbo 11mm, Cowra 12mm and Forbes 5mm.
• 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 1^st January 2018.
• The region remains brown and dry. Many farmers have not planted this season, those that have are seeing little-to-no growth. Sorghum stubble is still being baled however supply is running low.
• Demand remains high in the region. Supplies are limited and are becoming increasingly difficult to source. A lot of the fodder being moved into the region is now low quality.
• Priced have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay:  +55 ($400 to $500/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Lucerne hay: +125 ($500 to $600/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Straw: +15 ($220 to $320/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Pasture hay: +55 ($380 to $520/t). Prices have firmed this week.

Bega Valley

• Bega has experienced some light frosts this week. The region remains dry, with only a light drizzle recorded on Wednesday.
• 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 1^st January 2018.
• Irrigation has allowed crops to hold however it remains cold and growth is stagnated.
• Demand remains strong in the region and supply is limited. It is increasingly difficult to source feed.
• Prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($400 to $500/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +25 ($500 to $600/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($180 to $200/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +48 ($400 to $475/t). Prices have firmed this week.

Goulburn/Murray Valley

• The Goulburn Valley welcomed some much needed rainfall this week. Echuca recorded 15mm, Shepparton 18mm, Benalla 23mm, Yarrawonga 9mm and Kyabram 22mm.
• Rain in the region has allowed crops to survive however growth is slow and these crops are behind.
• Demand for fodder remains strong in the Goulburn Valley and supply is limited. Hay is becoming increasingly difficult to source.
• Prices changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +105 ($250 to $450/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Lucerne hay: +150 ($400 to $600/t). Prices have firmed this week
• Straw: +/-0 ($100 to $150/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +80 ($220 to $350/t). Prices have firmed this week.

Gippsland

• Gippsland received patchy rainfall this week. This was mainly in the west, areas in the east remain dry.
• The warmer weather in the region has allowed pastures and crops to start moving. Little bits of rainfall have allowed crops to hold in there and paddocks are starting to change colour. Strong winds in the region are damaging the crops by removing the little moisture available in the soil. 
• Calving continues to occur at a high rate and this has increased demand in the region. There is the need for feed. Most hay being moved in the region that is not under contract is of low quality. Supply is limited and is becoming increasingly difficult to source.
• Cereal and pasture hay prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +93 ($350 to $435/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($400 to $500/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($180 to $250/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +95 ($320 to $420/t). Prices have firmed this week.

Southwest Victoria

• South West Victoria continues to receive rainfall with Colac recording 15mm, Warrnambool 23mm and Hamilton 34mm.
• Growth is slow in the region but is still occurring. The wet weather has caused some waterlogging, however, this has not caused much damage.
• Demand in the region remains strong and is primarily coming from NSW. Supply is limited and difficult to source.
• Prices for Lucerne and pasture hay have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($250 to $300/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +30 ($330 to $420/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($140 to $165/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +45 ($250 to $300/t). Prices have firmed this week.

Southeast South Australia

• The wet weather in Southeast South Australia continues. Mt Gambier received 46mm, Naracoorte 34mm, Padthaway 63mm and Keith 38mm.
• The consistent rain in the Southeast South Australia has caused some waterlogging in parts of the region. This has not caused too much damage however it has slowed farm activity.
• Demand is still really strong in the region primarily coming from NSW. Hay supplies are limited.     
• There have been no price changes noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($200 to $300/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($320 to $400/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($120 to $150/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($200 to $300/t). Prices remain steady this week.

Central South Australia

• Central South Australia received some much needed rain this week. Maitland recorded 53mm, Kadina, 17mm, Roseworthy 34mm and Clare 30mm.
• Rains have improved some crops in the region and farmers are busy spreading urea. 
• Demand remains strong, primarily coming for NSW and parts of South Australia. Supply is limited with most fodder now spoken for.
• Lucerne hay prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($240 to $300/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +30 ($300 to $380/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($120 to $150/t). Prices remain steady this week.

Southwest Western Australia

• It is another wet week in southwest Western Australia with Bridgetown receiving 34mm.
• The consistent rain in the region is allowing crop growth and Southwest Western Australia is seeing some good green feed. Waterlogging has been reported in the region.
• While there is still the demand for fodder in the region, this continues to ease. It has been reported that most of the fodder moving in the region is contractual and that hay supplies are limited.
• There is no price change noted 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

• Northwest Tasmania received rain throughout the week. Cressy recorded 14mm, Smithton 60mm, Devonport 27mm and Launceston 19mm.
• Grass in Northwest Tasmania is starting to grow again. Some crops in this region are waterlogged. There is a bit of pasture damage reported and farming activity is difficult due to the wet conditions.
• The demand for fodder remains strong in Northwest Tasmania. Supplies are limited and are difficult to source.
• There are no price changes noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($210 to $250/t) Prices remain steady 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.