Hay Report – 14 December 2018

Northern Australia – Summary

• New season hay is being made in the region and is on 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.
• Late rains have moistened soils and allowed grass growth throughout southern Australia.
• 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.
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Regional Commentary

Atherton Tablelands

• It has been a wet week in the Atherton Tablelands with Walkamin recording 119mm of rainfall over the week.
• The rain has held off hay making in the region with irrigated crops ready for another cut once the weather dries.  
• 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 another dry week in the Darling Downs with no rainfall recorded.  
• The prevailing hot, dry and windy conditions have really dried the soil and summer crops in the region are failing. There is rain forecast for the region and this could save some of these crops.
• Demand while still strong in the region has eased. Hay continues to be carted into the region from all across the eastern states.
• Lucerne prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($450 to $550/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: -50 ($500 to $600/t). Prices have eased 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

• It has been a hot dry week in north coast NSW. Lismore recorded 2mm of rain on Saturday but there was no rainfall in Grafton or Glen Innes.
• With rain forecast farmers have been busy baling as much as possible.
• Demand while slow, has picked up a little locally. It is postulated this is due to the prevailing dry conditions in the area. 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.  
• There are no price changes noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($330 to $400/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 ($250 to $300/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.

Central West NSW

• Tuesday brought light patchy showers to central west NSW with Dubbo and Orange recording 1mm while Forbes and Cowra recorded no rainfall.  
• Farmers are anticipating showers this week. It is postulated that these rains will help growth in the region and further ease demand. 
• Demand is slow in the region. Enquiry is largely coming from farmers who are ensuring the have enough feed to last them through next 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.
• Lucerne prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($400 to $450/t). Prices remain this week.
• Lucerne hay: -75 ($500 to $550/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($190 to $210/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

• Bega received rain on Monday recording 5mm of rainfall.
• Farmers are busy spreading urea in the anticipation of rain.
• Demand is slow. 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.
• Pasture hay prices have firmed 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: +13 ($400 to $500/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.
• 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

• Rain fell on Sunday and Monday in the Goulburn Valley with Echuca, Shepparton and Benalla all recording 14mm, Kyabram recording 11mm and Yarrawonga 7mm.
• The rain has damaged some second cut Lucerne and the forecast rains could cause some more damage. Farmers are busy baling straw before the rain comes.
• Demand remains slow 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: +15 ($350 to $380/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($540 to $575/t). Prices remain steady this week
• Straw: +5 ($150 to $200/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($310 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

• Gippsland received scattered rainfall this week with Orbost recording 17mm, Sale 5mm, Bairnsdale 6mm, Yarram 2mm and Yanakie 1mm.
• The late rains in Gippsland have greened up the region however a lot of the grass in the region is now going to head. There is still some silage being made in the region and hay making is well underway.
• Demand has eased in the region. There is a lot of hay being carted into Gippsland from other parts of the state. . It is postulated that there will not be enough feed in Gippsland this season. 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.
• Pasture hay prices have eased 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: -213 ($225 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.

Southwest Victoria

• Light patchy rain fell in southwest Victoria this week with Colac recording 2mm while Hamilton and Warrnambool recorded no rainfall.  
• Farmers are busy getting feed supplies in the shed in anticipation of rain. The rain is welcomed by many to help growth continue in the area and decrease the need for feed.
• Demand is quiet 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.
• Cereal hay prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: -35 ($250 to $330/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($400 to $500/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($160 to $200/t). Prices remain steady 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

• Light patchy rain fell in southeast South Australia with Keith recording 2mm, Padthaway 3mm, while Naracoorte and Mt Gambier recorded no rainfall.
• Farmers in the region are busy baling and getting hay undercover in anticipation for the predicted rains.
• Demand has eased in the region. It has been reported that a lot of farmers in the region at present are eager to sell off the back of the baler in the region.
• Lucerne prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($250 to $330/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: -25 ($450 to $550/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($160 to $180/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($250 to $300/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 a dry week in central South Australia with no rainfall recorded.
• Harvest is almost complete in central South Australia and straw making is well underway. Many farmers are busy baling as much straw as they can before the forecast rain falls.
• 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.
• Price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: -15 ($290 to $330/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Lucerne hay: -15 ($420 to $500/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($160 to $250/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 no rainfall recorded. 
• Farmers are anticipating rain this weekend baling as much straw before the rain comes.  
• The domestic demand for hay remains quiet. 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.
• Straw prices have firmed 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: +20 ($100 to 160/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

• Saturday brought scattered showers to north-west Tasmania with Smithton recording 1mm, Marrawah 2mm while Devonport and Launceston recorded no rainfall.
• Some farmers in the region are finishing off the last of silage. Hay making is well underway throughout the state. There is rain forecast and farmers are busy making what they can before the rain hits.
• Demand has eased in the region and there is a lot of new season pasture hay coming onto the market.
• 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.