Hay Report – 21 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.
• Rains have moistened the soils and allowed the growth of summer crops.
• 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.

Regional Commentary

Atherton Tablelands

• Rain fell in the Atherton Tablelands this week with 49mm recorded in Walkamin since Thursday.
• The rains have helped grass growth and green the area. Now the rain has stopped farmers are busy planting crops and making hay. There are a lot of farmers who have taken grass seed and are now making hay.
• Demand has slowed in the region, it is postulated this is due to the growth in the region and the decreased need for feed.
• 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

• The Darling Downs received rainfall this week with Tawoomba recording 36mm.  
• The rains have helped summer sewn crops in the region.
• Demand in the region has eased. Hay continues to be carted into the region from all across the eastern states.
• Cereal and pasture hay prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: -50 ($400 to $500/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($500 to $600/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($250 to $300/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: -25 ($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.

.North Coast NSW

• Scattered rain fell in North Coast NSW since Thursday with Lismore recording 5mm, Coffs Harbour 136mm and Grafton 155mm. Monday was a large rain event in Graftom and Coffs Harbour with the regions recording 131mm and 113mm respectively.
• The rain has helped some of those who received it sew some dry land crops. Some farms which received heavy rain fall are water logged and this is restricting activity on the farm.
• Demand is slow however there is still enquiry coming through. 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

• Scattered rain fell in central west this week with Orange recording 49mm, Cowra 40mm, Dubbo 19mm and Forbes 32mm. Strong winds were also reported in the region.
• Farmers have welcomed the rain which has helped green the region. Strong winds have caused some damage on farms.
• Demand is slow in the region. Hay continues to be carted into the region from all across the eastern states.  
• There are no price changes noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($400 to $450/t). Prices remain this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($500 to $550/t). Prices remain steady 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

• Rain fell in Bega this week with the region recording 66mm
• The rains have helped farmers continue to make their own feed in the region. Farmers are busy making silage.
• 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.
• 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 $500/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

• Rain fell in the Goulburn Valley this week with Echuca recording 35mm, Shepparton 22mm, Benalla 57mm, Kyabram 25mm and Yarrawonga 83mm.
• The rain has held off the second cut of Lucerne and this will affect the quality of some of the Lucerne in the Goulburn Valley. Summer crops are looking healthy with farmers still sewing these crops in the region.
• Demand is quiet 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 that there is rye grass available from $375/t on farm.
• There have been no price changes noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($350 to $380/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($540 to $575/t). Prices remain steady this week
• Straw: +/-0 ($150 to $200/t). Prices remain steady 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 22mm, Sale 6mm, Bairnsdale 18mm, Yarram 17mm and Yanakie 14mm.
• Rains have been welcomed in the region. Growth continues to occur and farmers are trying to make as much of their own feed as possible.
• 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.
• No price changes have been 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 ($225 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.

Southwest Victoria

• Scattered rain fell in southwest Victoria this week with Colac recording 30mm, Hamilton 63mm and Warrnambool 38mm.  
• Rains have helped growth in the southwest Victoria. Farmers in the region are expecting a delay in the need to use 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.
• Pasture hay prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($250 to $330/t). Prices remain steady 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: -25 ($230 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.

Southeast South Australia

• Patchy rain fell in southeast South Australia this week with Keith recording 15mm, Padthaway 48mm, Naracoorte 39mm and Mt Gambier 53mm.
• There was a bit of hay left on the ground and in paddocks that has been heavily rained on and will be weather damaged. The rain is holding off harvest and farmers are eagerly waiting a break in the weather to start this. Some farmers in the region are taking advantage of the rain and will sew millet as an alternative feed source.
• Demand is slow 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: -10 ($430 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

• Scattered rain fell in central South Australia this week with Kadina recording 2mm, Roseworthy 18mm and Clare 37mm.
• The rain has interrupted harvest and the baling of straw.
• 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.
• Cereal hay prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +10 ($290 to $350/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($420 to $500/t). Prices remain steady 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

• Light rain fell on Sunday and Monday this week with both Bridgetown and Busselton recording 6mm over the two days. 
• Harvest is almost complete in southwest Western Australia.
• 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.
• 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 ($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

• Rain fell in north-west Tasmania this week with Smithton recording 31mm, Marrawah 28mm, Devonport 10mm and Launceston 20mm.
• There is a lot of hay ready to made in the region once the weather clears.
• 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.