Hay Report – 14 September 2018

National Summary

• The new season a start some farmers are looking at what do with their crops.
• The weather has warmed this week with only central west NSW and central west South Australia reporting light frosts.
• Prices have remained steady this week with only southwest Victoria noting a price change. Demand has eased a little and it is postulated that farmers are waiting for next seasons supply and sourcing alternative feeds where they can.
• Alternative feed supplies continue to be used with farmers still baling sorghum stubble and cane tops.
• 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.

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. For more information and to apply please visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate-and-emergancies/droughthub.

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. For more information and to apply please visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate-and-emergancies/droughthub.
• 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.   
• 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 no rainfall in the Atherton Tablelands this week as the sun continues to shine.
• There are still little bits of hay being cut and baled in the region. Some crops cut earlier on in the season that are on irrigation should be ready for a second cut in the next couple of weeks.
• Demand remains very high and is coming from all across the eastern states. There is little supply left with most of what is cut now spoken for.
• There has been no price change noted this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($300 to $400/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 recorded 7mm of rain over the weekend.
• Frost affected wheat and barley crops are being baled in the east of the region. There is still a shortage of supply in the area and farmers continue to bale alternatives such as sorghum stubble and cane tops.
• Demand for fodder remains high in the region. Hay is largely being sourced from South Australia and Victoria. Pasture hay is being sourced from Northern Territory.
• There are no price changes noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($500 to $600/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($440 to $550/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($400 to $450/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($275 to $375/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 NSW received some patchy rainfall Saturday with Grafton recording 15mm, Glen Innes 22mm and Lismore 2mm.
• 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. For more information and to apply please visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate-and-emergancies/droughthub.
• Late sewn crops in the region are looking good after the follow-up rain, early sewn crops do not look as healthy but some may be ready for a cut in a two weeks.
• Demand remains strong in north coast NSW, largely coming from central NSW. Supply is limited.
• There has been no price change noted this week.
• Cereal hay:  +/-0 ($500 to $700/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($500 to $750/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($250 to $350/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($350 to $450/t). Prices remain steady this week.

Central West NSW

• Patchy rain fell over central west NSW this week week with Forbes recording 3mm, Cowra 3mm, Dubbo 5mm and Orange 35mm. Light frosts were also 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 1^st January 2018. For more information and to apply please visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate-and-emergancies/droughthub.
• The rain over the last couple of weeks has allowed some dry sewn oats to germinate. Areas around the country side are starting to look a little greener. Areas in the west of the region have missed out on some of the rain and remains dry.
• Demand while high has eased a little in the region. Farmers are trying to source alternatives feed which is difficult given the limited supply of alternatives. It has been postulated that some farmers are waiting for next season stock to become available in the coming weeks from Victoria and South Australia.
• There are no price changes noted this week.
• Cereal hay:  +/-0 ($550 to $600/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($550 to $650/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($350 to $400/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($400 to $520/t). Prices remain steady this week.

Bega Valley

• Bega recorded 4mm of rain on Friday and experienced light drizzle on Saturday and Tuesday.
• 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. For more information and to apply please visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate-and-emergancies/droughthub.
• Crops in Bega are really struggling and are in need of some good rain. Grass growth is stunted and there is the need to feed livestock.
• Demand for fodder remains strong throughout the region. Hay is being transported into the region from Victoria and South Australia and this is becoming increasingly difficult to source.
• No price change has been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($480 to $550/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($500 to $650/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($200 to $250/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($400 to $475/t). Prices remain steady this week.

Goulburn/Murray Valley

• The Goulburn Valley had patchy rainfall on Friday with Echuca recording 2mm, Shepparton 4mm, Yarrawonga 12mm, Benalla 4mm and Kyabram 5mm.
• In the Dookie wheatbelt region there is a lot of frosted wheat and canola crops, farmers are deciding what to do with these crops. Silage is being made and there is a bit of hay being cut and baled in the Charlton region.
• Demand remains strong, in particular for protein hay. Farmers are looking to alternatives. There are some farmers who are buying water to irrigate maize and sorghum for feed for their livestock due to the high prices of feed. 
• There has been no price change noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($350 to $500/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($400 to $600/t). Prices remain steady this week
• Straw: +/-0 ($160 to $180/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($330 to $410/t). Prices remain steady this week.

Gippsland

• Gippsland received some light rainfall on Friday with Sale recording 10mm, Bairnsdale 12mm and Orbost 8mm. The east of Gippsland remains dry and in need of some good rain. Some of those on irrigation have started a late sew and will continue to sew for the next 3-4 weeks.
• There is minimal grass growth occurring in central and east Gippsland so farmers are still relying on feed. There are some rye grass crops being cut and baled in the region as well as cereal hay in the MID.
• Demand for fodder remains high and supply is limited. Most hay coming into the region is coming from western Victoria, the Goulburn Valley and the Mallee.
• There has been no price change noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($420 to $550/t). Prices remain steady 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: +/-0 ($320 to $420/t). Prices remain steady this week.

Southwest Victoria

• Southwest Victoria received some light rainfall this week with Colac recording 4mm, Warrnambool 6mm and Hamilton 2mm.
• There is some good grass growth in parts of the region and there is a decreased need for hand feeding with many in the region no longer relying on this.
• Demand remains high in the region and supply is limited.
• Pasture hay prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($300 to $350/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($330 to $420/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($150 to $180/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +75 ($300 to $400/t). Prices have firmed this week.

Southeast South Australia

• Patchy rain fell in southeast South Australia this week with Mt Gambier recording 10mm, Naracoorte 2mm, Padthaway 3mm and Keith 1mm.
• Things have dried a little in the region and crops are looking healthy. It is anticipated that parts of the region will have a cut in 4-6 weeks.
• Demand while still strong has eased a little, it is postulated that farmers are waiting for next seasons pricing.           
• There have been no price changes notes this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($300 to $400/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($400 to $500/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($120 to $150/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($250 to $350/t). Prices remain steady this week.
   

Central South Australia

• It was a dry week in central South Australia with no rainfall recorded and light frosts reported.
• Crops are looking ok, they are a bit behind and some crops are lacking bulk. There will be hay being moved in the next couple of weeks from southern York Peninsula.
• Demand remains high but has eased a little. Last seasons supply is limited.
• There have been no price changes noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($400 to $500/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($300 to $450/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($120 to $150/t). Prices remain steady this week.

Southwest Western Australia

• Patchy rain fell over southwest Western Australia with areas such as Busselton recording 10mm over the week while areas such as Bridgetown recorded no rainfall.
• There is a lot of growth in the region and farmers are getting ready for hay making. Some farmers will start making silage next week and hay should start being made in the next couple of weeks. 
• Local demand is not strong however there is some hay being moved from the region to the eastern states.
• 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 light rainfall this week with Smithton recording 8mm, Devonport 3mm and Launceston 2mm.
• There has been a bit of warmer weather in the region which has increased crop growth. There is a cold front forecasted which could slow things again. 
• 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.