Hay Report – 26 October 2018

Northern Australia – Summary

• New season hay is being made in the region and is starting to supply the market. Supply is limited with a lot of hay being carted into the region from the southern parts of the nation.
• 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

• New season hay has come into the market with limited carryover from last season and previous years.
• There is a large amount of canola crops and failed wheat crops that will be turned into hay and silage this season.
• 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.

Western Australia – Summary

• There is good growth in Western Australia and the domestic demand for fodder has eased.
• Hay making is underway in Western Australia with much of the supply cut and ready to be baled. There are some failed crops that have been made into hay.
• 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

• Since last Thursday’s 6mm rainfall there has been no rain in the Atherton Tablelands. 
• There are some crops that were destined to be grass seed being cut and baled for hay. The storms last week have helped improve growth in the region.
• Demand remains steady and supply is limited.  
• 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. The price range indicated is for feeds of varying quality with the price range generally indicative of quality of feed. We recommend feed testing and viewing of fodder before purchase to be sure of the quality of feed.
• 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

• It has been a wet week in the Darling Downs. Monday brought the heaviest rainfall with Tawoomba recording 30mm.
• The rain has started to green the region. Farmers are busy planting crops such as corn, sourgham and millet. Lucerne on irrigation will be ready for a cut next week.
• Demand has eased in the region. Hay continues to be carted into the region from South Australia and Victoria.
• Prices remain steady this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($500 to $600/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($550 to $600/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($300 to $400/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($275 to $375/t) Prices remain steady this week.
• Please note unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, delivered locally. The price range indicated is for feeds of varying quality with the price range generally indicative of quality of feed. We recommend feed testing and viewing of fodder before purchase to be sure of the quality of feed.

North Coast NSW

• Rain continues to fall in north coast NSW with Lismore recording 12mm, Grafton 14mm and Glen Innes 17mm.
• 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.
• Silage continues to be made in the region as the weather is not permitting for hay making. If the rain stops hay will be made in the region. Rains have improved grass growth in the region.
• Demand has eased in the region. The region is supplying silage much of which is already sold. The silage in this region was destined to be hay and includes varieties such as oaten and vetch.
• It has been reported that silage is available in the region from $120/bale on farm.
• There are no price changes noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($450 to $600/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.
• Please note unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, delivered locally. The price range indicated is for feeds of varying quality with the price range generally indicative of quality of feed. We recommend feed testing and viewing of fodder before purchase to be sure of the quality of feed.

Central West NSW

• Patchy rain fell in central west NSW on Sunday with Dubbo recording 7mm, Cowra 8mm, Orange 2mm and Forbes recording no rainfall.
• 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.
• Rain has started to green the region but this is patchy and much more is needed. Those with crops the rain is interrupting hay making. Oaten, Lucerne, pasture and clover hay is ready to be baled in the region as is canola.
• Demand remains strong in the region with farmers trying to secure supplies to last the winter. Many farmers in the region are holding on to their supplies for personal use to ensure they have enough to last the winter. Most canola in the region is for personal use, canola coming into the market is of varying quality and feed tests are recommended.
• Cereal hay prices have eased this week
• Cereal hay:  -13 ($430 to $500/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($550 to $600/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($300 to $400/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($400 to $520/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Please note unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, delivered locally. The price range indicated is for feeds of varying quality with the price range generally indicative of quality of feed. We recommend feed testing and viewing of fodder before purchase to be sure of the quality of feed.

Bega Valley

• Sunday brought rain to Bega with the region recording 25mm.
• 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.
• Grass growth in the region has improved significantly with the grass now starting to get ahead of the cows. Farmers in the region are busy making silage, most of this is for personal use.
• The demand for fodder has eased this week as the grass growth improves. Supply in the region remains limited with feed being carted into the region from other regions in NSW and Victoria. Canola in the region is being carted in from south of the region and has been testing well.
• It has been reported that canola available in the region from $400/t delivered locally.
• 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.
• Please note unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, delivered locally. The price range indicated is for feeds of varying quality with the price range generally indicative of quality of feed. We recommend feed testing and viewing of fodder before purchase to be sure of the quality of feed.

Goulburn/Murray Valley

• The weekend brought rain to the Goulburn Valley with Echuca recording 8mm, Shepparton and Yarrawonga 2mm, Benalla 3mm and Kyabram 4mm.
• Irrigated oats, clover and Rhodes grass are starting to be cut being cut in the region, some have found that the yields of these crops has been low. Farmers are starting to bale crops that were left out on the rain, these crops have been weather damaged, canola is particular. Some farmers baled wet and these bales are falling apart in the shed. There were two hay shed fires this week in the region.
• Demand has eased in the region. It has been reported a lot of farmers are holding back on price until they have completed baling. New season supply continues to enter the market. Canola that has been made correctly is testing well and is good quality feed.
• It has been reported canola is available in the region for $280 – $300/t on farm.
• It has been reported that vetch is available in the region from $550/t delivered locally.
• It has been reported there is canola and wheaten silage being made and coming into the market at $200/t on farm.
• There are no price changes noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($350 to $400/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($525 to $575/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.
• Please note unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, delivered locally. The price range indicated is for feeds of varying quality with the price range generally indicative of quality of feed. We recommend feed testing and viewing of fodder before purchase to be sure of the quality of feed.

Gippsland

• Patchy rain fell over Gippsland this week. Since Thursday Orbost recorded 9mm, Yanakie 20mm, Yarram 13mm Bairnsdale 11mm and Sale 20mm
• The grass is starting to grow in the region but this is slow and there is a lot more rain needed. There is some silage being made in the region.
• Demand has eased in the region; it has been postulated this is due to farmers waiting to see what happens to the market. New season hay continues to enter the market being sourced from all around Victoria. Silage in the region is mainly for personal use but is being sold. Pea hay is testing well and is a high protein food source. Canola that has been made correctly is testing well is and is good quality feed.
• It has been reported pea hay is available in the region from $500/t delivered locally.
• It has been reported there is some canola available in the region for $320-$400/t delivered locally.
• It has been reported that there is some barley silage available in the region from $130/t on farm.
• There has been no price change noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($420 to $550/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($550 to $600/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($200 to $250/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($420 to $520/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Please note unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, delivered locally. The price range indicated is for feeds of varying quality with the price range generally indicative of quality of feed. We recommend feed testing and viewing of fodder before purchase to be sure of the quality of feed.

Southwest Victoria

• Patchy rain fell over southwest Victoria this week. Since Thursday Warrnambool has recorded 20mm, Hamilton 11mm, while Colac has only recorded 1mm. Frosts were also reported in some of the region.
• Farmers are finishing off making silage and are starting the first season cut of pasture hay. Frosts in the region may have damaged some crops and with more frosts predicted for the region. There is some frost damaged canola in the region that is being cut and baled. Canola that has been made correctly is testing well and is good quality feed.
• Demand has slowed in the region. There is new season supply coming into the market north of the region from the Wimmera and the Mallee.
• It has been reported there is some vetch available in the Wimmera region for $300 – $440/t on farm.
• It has been reported there is canola available in the region for $300 – $350/t delivered locally.
• Pasture hay prices have eased 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: -25 ($300 to $350/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Please note unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, delivered locally. The price range indicated is for feeds of varying quality with the price range generally indicative of quality of feed. We recommend feed testing and viewing of fodder before purchase to be sure of the quality of feed.

Southeast South Australia

• Since last Thursday’s rainfall southeast South Australia has received light patchy rain with Mt Gambier recording 2mm, while Naracoorte, Keith and Naracoorte recorded no rainfall.
• The rain over the last few weeks has really improved crop health. Currently crops are looking to be high yielding. First cuts for silage are occurring in the region.
• Demand has eased in the region. Most silage being made in the region is for personal use but some of this is being sold varieties include rye grass, Lucerne and pasture.
• There are no price changes noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($300 to $400/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($500 to $600/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($160 to $180/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($300 to $400/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Please note unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, delivered locally. The price range indicated is for feeds of varying quality with the price range generally indicative of quality of feed. We recommend feed testing and viewing of fodder before purchase to be sure of the quality of feed.

Central South Australia

• There was no rainfall recorded in central South Australia this week. 
• Frost and drought affected crops continue to be but and baled in the region as are new season supply. Crop yields are down in the region with some farmers reporting yields less than half of an average season. Some farmers crop yields are so low that they are not cutting this season as the cost to cut will be too high comparative to their yields.
• Demand remains strong in the region with farmers trying to secure their hay supplies for the next winter. Frosted peas in the region reportedly are testing really well and have a high protein content. It has been reported that stock are taking well to canola hay and the feed tests on this vary. Canola which has had nitrogen spread with the anticipation of rain is not testing as well as those crops that have not been treated with nitrogen.
• It has been reported clover is available in the region for $250-$400/t on farm.
• It has been reported that there is some frosted pea hay available for $300-$330/t on farm.
• It has been reported that there is canola hay available in the region for $300-$350/t on farm.
• Cereal and Lucerne hay prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +15 ($330 to $400/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Lucerne hay: +90 ($430 to $500/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($120 to $150/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Please note unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, delivered locally. The price range indicated is for feeds of varying quality with the price range generally indicative of quality of feed. We recommend feed testing and viewing of fodder before purchase to be sure of the quality of feed.

Southwest Western Australia

• Light rain fell in southwest Western Australia this week with Busselton recording 3mm and Bridgetown recording 5mm.
• Rain has delayed baling in the region and many crops that have been cut are weather damaged.
• The domestic demand remains steady. New seasons supply is coming into the market.
• 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.
• Please note unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, delivered locally. The price range indicated is for feeds of varying quality with the price range generally indicative of quality of feed. We recommend feed testing and viewing of fodder before purchase to be sure of the quality of feed.

Northwest Tasmania

• Patchy rain fell in north west Tasmania this week with Smithton recording 7m, Devonport 5mm and Launceston 16mm. Light frosts have also been reported.  
• The rain over the last couple of weeks has really helped dry land crops. There is some silage being made in the region and early hay ready to be made once there is a break in the weather.
• Demand is still strong in the region and supply is limited with new season hay yet to hit the market. Many farmers are holding onto their supplies to ensure they have enough feed for themselves. Silage is moving quickly.
• It has been reported silage is available in the region from $100/bale on farm.
• 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.
• Please note unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, delivered locally. The price range indicated is for feeds of varying quality with the price range generally indicative of quality of feed. We recommend feed testing and viewing of fodder before purchase to be sure of the quality of feed.