Hay Report -8 February 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.
• 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 Comentary

Atherton Tablelands

• It was another wet week in the Atherton Tablelands with Walkamin recording 164mm of rainfall.
• Farmers in the region are busy with maintenance and general upkeep such as spraying. Many crops in the region are suffering with caterpillars. There is hay ready to be made once there is a break in the weather.
• Demand is steady in the region. There is difficulty with transporting hay due to the wet weather.
• 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

• Rain fell in the Darling Downs this week with Toowoomba recording 6mm.     
• The Darling Downs remains hot and dry. Dryland crops are struggling. Many farmers have run out of irrigation water which means for many lucerne is now finished. Some farmers have been able to harvest sorghum and are looking at baling the stubble.
• Demand has tapered off from its peak. 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 sorghum and millet available in the region from $360/t
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($450 to $550/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($580 to $650/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($220 to $330/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 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

• Scattered rain fell on north coast NSW with Lismore recording 3mm, Grafton 5mm, Coffs Harbour 7mm and Glen Innes none.  
• Rains have not wet the soil and evaporated, north coast NSW remains dry. The little summer crops that were planted are not looking good.
• Demand is high and supply is limited. Hay is being carted into the region largely from Victoria but also parts of NSW and South Australia.
• Cereal and pasture hay prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +70 ($400 to $500/t). Prices have firmed 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: +50 ($300 to $350/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.
• 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

• Patchy rain fell in central west NSW with Orange recording 4mm, Cowra 1mm, Forbes 21mm, while Dubbo recorded none.
• There are green patches in the region however central west NSW remains mostly dry. The heat evaporates the small amounts of rainfall. Most farmers in the region are running out of irrigation water and have completed what will now be their final cut of Lucerne.
• Demand has eased in the region; it is postulated this is due to the high feed prices. There is limited local supply with hay being carted into the region from all along the eastern states.
• Cereal and pasture hay price have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: -25 ($400 to $450/t). remain have eased this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($500 to $550/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($200 to $300/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +50 ($300 to $400/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.
• 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

• Rain fell on Bega this week with the region recording 75mm.
• Bega is green as rain continues to fall in the region. Farmers continue to make their own feed with some farmers onto their fifth cut of silage.
• Demand is very quiet in Bega with farmers relying on their own feed. Hay in the region has been carted in from Victoria however there is no demand for this.
• 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

• The weather has been unsettled in the Goulburn Valley. Light scattered rain fell with Echuca, Shepparton and Yarrawonga all recording 1mm, Benalla 7mm while Kyabram recorded none.
• The little bits of rain have been a nuisance for many farmers in the region. A substantial rainfall event is needed in the region to help ease the water pressure, Some farmers in the region continue to make Lucerne. Summer crops are now being grazed by livestock.  
• Demand is steady in the region. There is limited cereal and pasture hay available in the region. There is competition from southwest Victoria and hay is being moved into the region. 
• It has been reported canola is available in the region for $240 – $300/t on farm.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: -20 ($320 to $370/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Lucerne hay: -40 ($450 to $570/t). Prices have eased this week
• Straw: -15 ($130 to $190/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Pasture hay: -68 ($250 to $290/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.

Gippsland

• It was a hot week in Gippsland. Light scattered rain fell in the region with Orbost recording 9mm, Bairnsdale 13mm, Sale 17mm, while Wonthaggi, Yarram and Yanakie recorded none.  
• Gippsland is very dry. The is little growth in the region for areas without irrigation. Fires have gone through the region however this has not impacted farms.
• Demand has eased in the region. There is a lot of canola and cereal 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 from $300-$400/t delivered locally.
• Cereal hay prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +10 ($370 to $480/t). Prices have firmed 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 ($210 to $390/t). 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 Victoria

• It was another hot dry week in southwest Victoria with no rainfall recorded.   
• Southwest Victoria is brown and dry. There are a lot farmers feeding silage in the region and summer crops have deteriorated.
• Demand remains steady coming from all over the eastern states. Hay in this region is also being purchased from nearby regions such as the Wimmera. Lucerne hay is being sourced from southeast South Australia.
• 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: -18 ($250 to $320/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Lucerne hay: +10 ($450 to $500/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($160 to $200/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: -15 ($220 to $280/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.

Southeast South Australia

• It was another hot dry week in southeast South Australia with no rainfall recorded.
• The region is brown and in need of some rain. The summer crops that have been planted are not looking good.
• Demand remains quiet in the region with demand coming externally. Hay is being carted from the region to NSW, Victoria and Queensland.
• Price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: -10 ($250 to $330/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Lucerne hay: -20 ($350 to $430/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($130 to $220/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($260 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.

Central South Australia

• Wednesday broke the long dry period for many in central South Australia, with a storm passing over some parts the region. Other parts of the region remain dry and recorded no rainfall.
• Farmers welcomed the rain this week. Some farmers in the region sewed crops in December such as vetch and subzero and it is hoped these rains will improve these crops.
• Demand is strong 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 limited feed available in the region.
• It has been reported that there is canola hay available in the region for $300-$350/t on farm.
• Cereal and Lucerne hay have prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +10 ($300 to $370/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 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 a dry week in southwest Western Australia with no rainfall recorded.
• Southwest Western Australia is very dry. Farmers in the region are starting to hand feed. There are some in the region that are baling wheat and barley straw this week.
• The demand for feed has started to pick up. Some farmers are trying to secure feed supplies. There is limited carryover from previous seasons as most of this has moved to the eastern states.
• Cereal hay prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +5 ($230 to $380/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($200 to $280/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.

Northwest Tasmania

• Light scattered rain fell in northwest Tasmania with Marrawah and Devonport recording 1mm, Launceston 2mm and Smithton none. 
• North west Tasmania is very dry and in need of some rain. Most farmers are finished making hay for the season.
• Demand is slow in the region. There is a lot of feed on the market. The south east of Tasmania remains dry and it is anticipated that this part of the region will have a high need for feed this season.
• It has been reported silage is available in the region from $50/bale on farm.
• Cereal and pasture hay prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: -10 ($130 to $180/t) Prices have eased this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($300 to $350/t) Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +25 ($80 to $150/t) Prices have firmed this week.
• Pasture hay: +30 ($100 to $180/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.