Hay Report – 2 November 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

• The weather has warmed in the Atherton Tablelands and no rainfall was recorded this week. 
• Irrigated crops have started to be cut and baled this week and the warm weather has been ideal for hay making. Farmers on irrigation are fertilizing their crops for another cut in around 6 weeks time.
• 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

• Darling Downs received light follow-up rain this week with Tawoomba recording 4mm.
• A lot of roughage has been planted in the region which if there is more follow-up rain will be ready to be made in 6-8 weeks. Farmers are still baling sugar cane tops. Straw in the region has been cut and baled and the yields on this are poor. There are some failed barley crops being made into silage in the region.
• Demand is strong in the region. Hay continues to be carted into the region from all across the eastern states. Sugar cane tops in the area are being used as roughage.
• It has been reported there are sugar cane tops available in the region from $180/t on farm.
• Cereal hay prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: -25 ($450 to $600/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 ($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

• It has been a drizzly week in north coast NSW.
• 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 continues to interrupt hay making with a lot of silage being made in the region. Some farmers in Grafton are baling sugar cane tops.
• Demand has eased from its peak. There is some local demand with some farmers trying so secure their feed to last them through the winter. Much of the silage in the region was destined to be hay but the weather has not allowed for this. Varieties include oaten, vetch, rye grass and other grass varieties. Sugar cane tops do not have much nutritional value and is used as roughage.
• It has been reported that silage is available in the region from $120/bale on farm.
• It has been reported that sugar cane tops are available in the region from $50/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

• It has been a dry sunny week in central west NSW with no rainfall recorded in the region. 
• 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.
• There is a green tinge in the area but it still remains mostly dry in central west NSW and in need of some follow-up rain. Most canola hay has been made in the region, Lucerne hay is being made as are failed barley crops.
• 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.
• It has been reported there is some canola hay available from $400/t delivered locally.
• There are price changes noted this week.
• Cereal hay:  -15 ($400 to $500/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Lucerne hay: +25 ($550 to $650/t). Prices have firmed 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

• No rainfall was recorded in Bega this 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. For more information and to apply please visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate-and-emergancies/droughthub.
• Grass growth has really improved in the region however, as the weather is warming the region is starting to dry off again. Irrigators have started irrigating again and some only have a few weeks of irrigation left. There is a lot of silage being made in the region. Farmers are trying to grow and make what they can so that they do not have to purchase feed.
• Demand remains high with farmers trying to ensure they have enough feed to last them through to winter. There is new season hay being carted into the region from NSW and Victoria. There is canola available in the region coming from Victoria which is testing well. Silage being made in the region for purchase is primarily pasture silage.
• It has been reported that canola available in the region from $400/t delivered locally.
• It has been reported that there is silage available in the region from $70/bale on farm.
• Cereal hay prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: -65 ($400 to $500/t). Prices have eased 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

• There was no rainfall recorded in the Goulburn Valley region this week.
• The rain a couple of weeks ago put moisture in the air that was helpful in baling canola crops, but increased the time to dry out cereal crops. Irrigated crops such as clover, Lucerne, pasture, rye grass and cereal are cut and are being baled this week.
• Demand has eased in the region. Irrigated crops that are being cut such as Lucerne, rye grass, clover and cereals for those who had the right timing of their cuts these crops are of high quality; some farmers waited for rains and these crops are a little mature and will not be as of as high a quality. 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.
• It has been reported there is clover available from $600/t on farm.
• It has been reported that there is rye grass available from $375/t on farm.
• Cereal, lucerne and pasture hay prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +20 ($350 to $440/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Lucerne hay: +8 ($540 to $575/t). Prices have firmed this week
• Straw: +/-0 ($160 to $180/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +40 ($395 to $425/t). Prices have firmed 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

• It was a dry week in Gippsland with drizzle recorded in parts of the region such as Yanakie, while other areas such as Orbost, Yarram, Bairnsdale and Sale recorded no rainfall.
• Gippsland is very dry, with west Gippsland drying off too. Much of the grass in the region is browning off. There is some silage and hay being made in the region however there is not much of this. Many crops on irrigation have very little water left.
• Demand remains very high in the region with very little feed in the region. There is a lot of hay being carted into Gippsland from other parts of the state. 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.
• Pasture hay prices have firmed 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: +30 ($480 to $520/t). Prices have firmed 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

• It was a cold dry week in Western Victoria with no rainfall recorded.
• It is a very busy week for farmers in southwest Victoria this week with hay cut and ready to be baled as an impending thunderstorm looms. There are a lot of frost affected crops in the region around lake Bolac many farmers have decided to make this into hay.
• Demand has slowed in southwest Victoria. Farmers in the region are making silage for their own personal use to decrease their need for feed and it is postulated they are waiting to see how much silage they can make themselves before purchasing feed.
• 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.
• Lucerne prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($300 to $350/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +88 ($425 to $500/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($150 to $180/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($300 to $350/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.

Southeast South Australia

• No rainfall was recorded in southeast South Australia this week.
• A lot of hay has been cut and will be ready to be baled in the next week or two. There is some hay already being baled in north of the region in areas such as Keith.
• Demand has eased in the region, there are farmers trying to secure this seasons feed. 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

• It was another dry week in central South Australia with no rainfall recorded in the region.  
• Most of the hay in the region has been cut and baled and farmers are now starting their harvest.
• 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 hay prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: -15 ($300 to $400/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($430 to $500/t). Prices remain steady 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

• There was no rainfall recorded in southwest Western Australia this week.
• The weather is ideal for hay making this week in Western Australia and all through the state hay is being made. The southwest region is just starting to get into hay making. Currently across the region it looks like it will be an average year.
• The domestic demand remains steady. New seasons supply is coming into the market. There is still some hay being carted to the eastern states. There is some frosted wheat and barley crops on the market which are of varying quality. Some of these crops were rained on and are lightly weather damaged.
• Cereal hay prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +75 ($250 to $330/t). Prices have firmed 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

• Light patchy rain fell in northwest Tasmania this week with Smithton recording 3mm while Devonport and Launceston recorded none.
• It has been a busy week of cutting and baling, in particular silage. The region is still in need of some rain with rain forecast for this weekend. 
• Demand for feed is very high in Tasmania with limited supply available. Silage is being sold in the region and this is moving very 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.