Hay Report – 7 December 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 have been 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

• t has been hot and humid in the Atherton Tablelands. Rain fell on Tuesday with Walkamin recording 30mm. More rain is predicted.
• T here was hay left on the ground when the rains came this week which caused some weather damage.  
• 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 dry hot week in the Darling Downs with no rainfall recorded. 
• The Darling Downs is drying out. Summer crops are holding in and farmers are making what they can to use as feed.
• Demand while still strong in the region has eased a little. Hay continues to be carted into the region from all across the eastern states.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($450 to $550/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($550 to $650/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($250 to $300/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($250 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.

North Coast NSW

• North coast NSW was hot and dry this week, with no rainfall recorded. 
• Farmers have been busy making the most of the dry weather this week and are busily making pasture hay.
• 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.
• It has been reported that silage is available in the region from $100/bale on farm.
• It has been reported there is Rhodes grass available from $300/t on farm.  
• Cereal and pasture hay prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: -15 ($330 to $400/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: -85 ($250 to $300/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.
• 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.

Central West NSW

• It was a dry week in central west NSW this week with Orange and Dubbo recording a light drizzle while Cowra and Forbes recorded no rainfall.
• There was some hay left out in the paddocks that have been rained on and are weather damaged. Farmers were busy late this week making hay with the fine sunny conditions. Yields in the region are down.
• Demand has slowed in the region it has been postulated some of this is due to grass growth. There are a lot of farmers who are holding off selling hay to ensure they have enough feed for themselves. 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 $450/t). Prices remain this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($550 to $650/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($250 to $300/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($250 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.
• 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.

Bega Valley

• Light rain fell in Bega on Monday with the region recording 1mm.
• While Bega remains greens the heat is starting to dry the soil out. Farmers continue to be busy in the region making as much feed for themselves.
• Demand has eased from its peak. Farmers are trying to make as much feed as they can for themselves. 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.
• It has been reported that canola available in the region 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 ($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.
• 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.

Goulburn/Murray Valley

• Sunday brought light rain to the Goulburn Valley with Shepparton, Echuca, Yarrawonga and Kyabram all recording 1mm.
• Now the weather has dried farmers are busy making Lucerne and small square bales. There is a bit of straw being made in the next week or so however there will not be much of this. 
• 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, canola hay not made correctly will have high nitrogen levels and will need to be blended.
• It has been reported canola is available in the region for $225 – $300/t on farm.
• 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 that there is rye grass available from $375/t on farm.
• Price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +10 ($320 to $380/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($540 to $575/t). Prices remain steady this week
• Straw: +/-0 ($180 to $230/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Pasture hay: +13 ($310 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

• Gippsland received patchy rainfall this week with Orbost recording 7mm, Sale 7mm, Bairnsdale 12mm, Yarram 18mm and Yanakie 18mm.
• Hay making has started in the region with farmers busy making hay on irrigated crops.  
• Demand has eased in the region. There is a lot of hay being carted into Gippsland from other parts of the state. Silage in the region is mostly for personal use with a little being sold. Canola that has been made correctly is testing well is and is good quality feed.
• It has been reported there is some canola available in the region for $270-$325/t delivered locally.
• It has been reported that there is some silage available in the region from $100/bale on farm.
• There are no price changes noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($400 to $470/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 ($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

• Patchy rain fell in southwest Victoria this week with Warrnambool and Colac recording 14mm, while Hamilton recorded 6mm.  
• Farmers are busy making hay this week. A lot of hay was left on the ground during the rains and is weather damaged.
• 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 canola available in the region for $300 – $350/t delivered locally.
• Price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($300 to $350/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: -13 ($400 to $500/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Straw: +15 ($160 to $200/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($250 to $330/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

• Scattered rain fell in southeast South Australia this week with Mt Gambier recording 17mm, Keith 8mm, Padthaway 5mm and Naracoorte 9mm.
• The rain at the start of the week held up hay making but with fine hot weather forecast farmers are now busy making hay. There should be some straw to be made next week. 
• Demand has eased in the region. New seasons supply continues to enter the market.
• Cereal and pasture hay prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: -35 ($250 to $330/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($500 to $550/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($160 to $180/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: -75 ($250 to $300/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.

Central South Australia

• Sunday brought patchy rain to central south Australia with Kadina recording 2mm, Roseworthy 4mm, Clare 14mm.
• Recent rains have left a green tinge in the area and has helped dry land Lucerne crops. There are a lot of farmers in the region making straw this season.
• Demand has eased in the region. 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 that there is canola hay available in the region for $300-$350/t on farm.
• Lucerne prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($300 to $350/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: -15 ($450 to $550/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($180 to $230/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

• It was a dry week in south west Western Australia this week with Bridgetown only recording a light drizzle on Sunday.  
• South-west Western Australia continues to harvest grain and make straw.
• Demand remains steady. A lot of farmers have grown their own feed and it is postulated they are using this before buying any feed. There is limited carryover from previous seasons as most of this has moved to the eastern states.
• There are no price changes noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($250 to $350/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

• Patchy rain fell in northwest Tasmania this week with Smithton recording 26mm while Devonport 16mm and Launceston 8mm.
• The rains really helped finish crops in the region which are looking really healthy and to provide good yields. Farmers are busy making hay this week with some fine weather forecast. Some farmers in the region are making late silage.
• Demand for feed remains strong in Tasmania. There is limited supply available. Most of the hay being moved in the region is contractual.
• It has been reported silage is available in the region from $75/bale on farm.
• There are no price changes noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($275 to $325/t) Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($300 to $350/t) Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($80 to $120/t) Prices remain steady this 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.