Hay Report -11 January 2019

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.
• High temperatures for parts of the region have dried soils and affected summer crops and grass growth.
• 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 continues to offer 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 https://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 for parts of southern Australia.
• The Government continues to offer 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 https://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 drawing to a close in Western Australia. Yields in the region have been mixed but for many it has been an above average season.  
• 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 a dry hot week in the Atherton Tablelands with no rainfall recorded.
• Farmers in the region were busy making hay early this week, however the threat of rain has put a stop to this.
• 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

• It was another hot and dry in the Darling Downs this week with Tawoomba only recording 1mm on Tuesday.   
• The region is dry and in need of some good rain. Some farmers in the region are beginning to turn failed sourgham crops into hay and it is anticipated that there will be a bit of this coming onto the market.
• Demand in the region is steady. Supply of feed in the Darling Downs is limited with farmers sourcing feed from throughout the eastern states.
• It has been reported that there is some sourgham and millet available in the region for $360/t
• There are no price changes noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($430 to $530/t). Prices remain steady 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: +/-0 ($250 to $300/t) Prices remain steady this week.
• Please note unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, delivered and sourced 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 another dry week in north coast NSW with no rainfall recorded. 
• North coast NSW is in need of some rain. Many summer crops have yet to be planted due to the lack of rain. Crops on irrigation are ready for a second cut however dry land crops are struggling.
• Local demand is steady in the region and it is postulated this is due to the dry conditions.  
• 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 and sourced 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 continues to offer 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 https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate-and-emergancies/droughthub

Central West NSW

• Scattered rain fell in central west NSW with Orange recording 21mm, Cowra 28mm, Dubbo 4mm and Forbes 14mm. 
• The region remains dry. Some farmers in the region are busy making lucenre hay and straw this week.
• Demand has picked up in the region and there is little feed in the area. Feed is being carted into the area across the eastern states.
• Straw prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($450 to $500/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($500 to $550/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +10 ($200 to $250/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($250 to $350/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Please note unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, delivered and sourced 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 continues to offer 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 https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate-and-emergancies/droughthub

Bega Valley

• Light rain fell on Bega this week with the region recording 5mm.
• Bega is in need of some good rain as the region is drying out.
• 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 and sourced 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 continues to offer 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 https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate-and-emergancies/droughthub

Goulburn/Murray Valley

• Light scattered rain fell in the Goulburn Valley this week with Benalla recording 2mm while Echuca, Shepparton, Yarrawonga and Kyabram only recorded a light drizzle.
• There is still feed being made in the Goulburn Valley with farmers busy making straw, Lucerne and summer crops.
• Demand remains slow in the region. Some farmers in the region are actively trying to move their canola hay. 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.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($350 to $380/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($430 to $500/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 and sourced 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

• Patchy rain fell in Gippsland this week with Orbost recording 10mm, Bairnsdale 5mm, Sale 2mm, Yarram 3mm and Yanakie 6mm.
• Farmers are busy in the Gippsland making hay and silage. The south of the region has had a good season and there is a lot of pasture hay being made in this area. The rest of the region has dried off and there is little feed available.
• Demand is steady 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-$400/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 $480/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: -50 ($200 to $350/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Please note unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, delivered and sourced 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 hot dry week in southwest Victoria with no rainfall recorded.   
• Straw is being made in the region and farmers are finishing off making hay.
• 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. Hay in this region is also being purchased from nearby regions such as the Wimmera.
• It has been reported there is canola available in the region for $300 – $350/t delivered locally.
• No price changes have been noted 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: +/-0 ($230 to $300/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Please note unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, delivered and sourced 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 this week with Naracoorte recording 2mm, Mt Gambier 1mm while Keith and Padthaway recorded no rainfall.
• Farmers in the region are busy making hay with some onto their second cut of Lucerne. Straw is being made in the region. Yields for both hay and straw are above average. There is some weather damaged hay in the region but not much of this is moving.
• Demand remains slow in the region. Locally there is a lot of green growth and there is not a high need for feed.
• Price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +15 ($280 to $330/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Lucerne hay: -25 ($430 to $500/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Straw: +20 ($160 to $220/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Pasture hay: +15 ($260 to $300/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Please note unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, delivered and sourced 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 and hot week in central South Australia with no rainfall recorded.
• Farmers are finishing off baling this straw this week.
• Demand remains steady in the region. It has been reported that stock area 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 have prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +5 ($300 to $350/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($420 to $480/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 and sourced 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 another dry week in southwest Western Australia. 
• The region is starting to dry off and is in need of some rain.
• 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.
• Pasture hay prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($250 to $350/t). Prices remain steady 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: +100 ($200 to $280/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Please note unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, delivered and sourced 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 scattered rain fell in north-west Tasmania with Marrawah recording 1mm while Smithton, Launceston and Devonport recorded no rainfall.
• Farmers in the region have been making the most of the weather and been busy baling hay. Yields in the region are good.
• Demand is slow in the region and new season hay is now on 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 and sourced 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.