Hay Report – 9 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 was a lot of high moisture hay baled this year with inoculants in southern Australia. If the hay has a high moisture content but is not hot it should be safe. This hay should be sold on a dry matter basis.
• 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

• It was another dry sunny week in the Atherton Tablelands. 
• It is really hot and things are drying out in the region. Irrigation costs are high with the lack of storms and the high temperature. Grass seed will be ready for harvest in a couple of weeks.
• 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 was a hot, dry sunny week in the Darling Downs this week with no rainfall recorded. 
• The recent hot weather is starting to dry out the soil. Farmers are still baling sugar cane tops and there are little bits of cereal and lucerne hay being made in the region.
• Demand while still strong has eased a little. 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.
• Lucerne hay prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($450 to $600/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: -25 ($500 to $600/t). Prices have eased 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 was a hot dry week in north coast NSW with no rainfall recorded.
• 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.
• Farmers have been busy making hay this week with the threat of rain looming. Yields are generally quite good for the region. Late sewn crops have generally faired better than the earlier sewn crops.
• Demand has eased from its peak. Much of the silage in the region was destined to be hay but the weather did not permit 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.
• Cereal hay prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: -55 ($420 to $520/t). Prices have eased 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

• Saturday brought scattered rain to the region with Orange recording 22mm, Dubbo 12mm, Cowra 11mm and Forbes 3mm.  
• 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.
• Things are still dry in the region and some paddocks are not coming back as they were too heavily eaten off. Small bits of hay continue to be made in the region including cereal and Lucerne. 
• Demand while strong has eased in the region. 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 no price changes noted this week.
• Cereal hay:  +/-0 ($400 to $500/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($550 to $650/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

• Tuesday brought some drizzle to Bega however this was light and not enough to wet 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 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 with farmers trying to grow and make as much of their own feed as possible.
• 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.
• There are no price changes noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($400 to $500/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

• Scattered rain fell over the Goulburn Valley region this week with Yarrawonga recording 11mm, Benalla 6mm, Echuca 3mm, Shepparton 2mm and Kyabram 2mm.
• Farmers were busy baling early this week to try and have all their hay baled before the rain came. Most hay has been baled in the region and yields are down.
• 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 hay prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: -10 ($330 to $440/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($540 to $575/t). Prices remain steady this week
• Straw: +/-0 ($160 to $180/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($395 to $425/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

• Scattered rain fell over Gippsland this week with Orbost, Sale and Bairnsdale recording 1mm, Yarram 21mm and Yanakie 7mm. Severe winds have also been reported in parts of the region.
• Much of the region remains very dry and in need of some rain. Silage continues to be made on irrigated land in Gippsland and this is largely for personal use with yields of about 70% of an average year. There is a bit of lucerne being made in the region but this is largely staying on farm. Farmers on irrigated land have been sewing millet and sourgham this week which will be turned into silage which will be on the market in January.
• Demand while strong has eased in Gippsland. 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 $270-$320/t delivered locally.
• It has been reported that there is some barley silage available in the region from $130/t on farm.
• Cereal hay prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: -50 ($400 to $470/t). Prices have eased 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 ($480 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

• Scattered rain fell in southwest Victoria this week with Warrnambool recording 8mm, Hamilton 8mm and Colac 26mm. Strong winds were also reported.
• Southwest Victoria remains green but in need of a little rain. Farmers are busy cutting hay in the region with pasture hay, clover and rye being cut.
• 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 feed 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.
• There are no price changes noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($300 to $350/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($425 to $500/t). Prices remain steady 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

• Rain fell in southeast South Australia this week with Mt Gambier recording 15mm, Naracoorte 9mm, Padthaway 8mm and Keith 22mm.
• Rain has held off activity in the region. Some crops were cut and left out in the rain and are weather damaged, the extent of the damage is yet to be determined. More crops will be cut in the next couple of days as the weather clears. Yields are looking to be high.
• 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

• Central south Australia had rainfall this week with Kadina recording 12mm, Roseworthy 19mm, Clare 13mm.
• There is still some baling occurring in the York Peninsula including frosted wheat in Maitland.
• 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. There is a lot of frosted wheat in the region that is of varying quality.
• 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.
• There are no price changes noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($300 to $400/t). Prices remain steady 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

• Scattered rain fell over southwest Western Australia this week with Bridgetown 7mm, and Busselton 1mm.
• Baling is now well underway in the region. Hay is of varying quality with some hay weather damaged. 
• 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.
• There are no price changes noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($250 to $330/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

• Rain fell in northwest Tasmania this week with Smithton recording 13mm while Devonport 17mm and Launceston 15mm. Strong winds were also reported.
• Winds took out a lot of the moisture that the rain brought this week. Farmers have needed to irrigate crops to finish them off. Crops on dry land are looking to be below an average year with it being reported that some of the pasture crops have no bottom to them.
• 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.