Hay Report -22 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.
• 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

• Farmers in the Atherton Tablelands enjoyed a break in the wet weather this week. Walkamin did not record any rainfall until 8mm fell on Monday.
• Many farmers were busy this week making hay however the rain on Monday interrupted this.
• Demand has picked up a little in the region. There is demand coming from outside the region.
• 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

• was a dry week in the Darling Downs with no rainfall recorded.     
• For many in the Darling Downs it has been months without rain. The region is dry and many farmers with irrigation are running out of water. Sorghum stubble and failed crops are being baled in the region.
• 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. Hay prices quoted are sourced from outside the region.
• It has been reported that there is some sorghum and millet available in the region from $360/t.
• It has been reported there is some sorghum stubble available in the region from $200/t on farm.
• 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, sourced and 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 on north coast NSW with Lismore recording 4mm, Grafton 2mm while Coffs Harbour and Glen Innes recorded none.  
• Rain is predicted for north coast NSW over the weekend. The region is in need of some decent rain. Many farmers have stopped irrigating due to lack of water and there are minimal summer crops. Some pasture hay is being made however for the most part this is low grade.
• 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 hay, Lucerne and straw prices are sourced from outside the region.
• Pasture hay prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($400 to $500/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: -25 ($230 to $370/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Please note unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, sourced and 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 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

• It was a dry week in central west NSW with bits of drizzle recorded but no rainfall.
• Central west NSW is hot and dry with the green patches are drying up. There is a lot of failed sorghum being baled in the region.
• Demand is picking up in the region. There is limited local supply with hay being carted into the region from all along the eastern states. Cereal hay, pasture hay and straw prices have been sourced from outside the region.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($400 to $450/t). Prices remain steady 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: +/-0 ($300 to $400/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Please note unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, sourced and 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 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 Monday in Bega with 6mm recorded.
• The little bits of rain are keeping the grass green in Bega. Farmers continue to make the most of this and are busy making their own feed.
• 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. Prices for hay are sourced outside the region.  
• 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, sourced and 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 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

• It was a dry week in the Goulburn Valley with no rainfall recorded.
• The Goulburn Valley is very dry. Sorghum is growing well for those farmers who planted it for themselves and have been purchasing water.
• 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: +/-0 ($320 to $370/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($450 to $570/t). Prices remain steady this week
• Straw: +/-0 ($130 to $190/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/0 ($250 to $290/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Please note unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, sourced and 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

• There were little bits of drizzle that fell over Gippsland this week, however this was scattered and did not wet the soil.  
• Some farmers in the MID are making millet, there are farmers in this part of the region that are using millet as pasture.
• Demand has eased. There is pasture hay coming from the south of the region however most of this has been moved. Pasture hay in Gippsland is of varying quality with a lot of low grade hay being moved in the region. It is postulated that there will not be enough feed in Gippsland this season. There is a lot of canola and cereal hay being carted into Gippsland from other parts of the state. Canola that has been made correctly is testing well is and is good quality feed. Cereal hay, Lucerne and straw are priced from sources outside the region.
• It has been reported there is some canola available in the region from $280-$400/t delivered locally.
• Cereal and pasture hay prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +5 ($380 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: +20 ($250 to $390/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Please note unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, sourced and 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

• It was another dry week in southwest Victoria with Warrnambool recording 1mm while Colac recorded none,
• Summer crops in the region are doing well. A lot of farmers in the region planted maize for personal use and these crops are looking healthy.
• 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: +15 ($280 to $320/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Lucerne hay: -10 ($430 to $500/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($160 to $200/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($220 to $280/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Please note unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, sourced and 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

• It was dry week in southeast South Australia with no rainfall recorded.
• Pasture in the region has dried off. There is still a little bit of Lucerne being cut and made in the region.
• External demand has picked up in the region. Hay is being carted from the region to NSW, Victoria and Queensland.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($250 to $330/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($350 to $430/t). Prices remain steady 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, sourced and 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.
• There is not much happening in the region. Farmers are hand feeding stock as there is no grass growth. The few summer crops that were planted are not looking healthy.
• 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 hay have prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +10 ($320 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, sourced and 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 another dry week in southwest Western Australia with no rainfall recorded.
• Farmers in the region are hand feeding stock, mostly using their own supply.
• 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, pasture hay and straw prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +25 ($280 to $380/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($450 to $490). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +25 ($130 to 180/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Pasture hay: +20 ($240 to $280/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Please note unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, sourced and 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

• Light scattered rain fell in north-west Tasmania with Smithton recording 1mm, Marrawah 2mm while Devonport and Launceston only recorded light drizzle.
• Harvest is still underway in the region.
• Demand is slow in north-west Tasmania. 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 eased this week.
• Cereal hay: -10 ($130 to $160/t) Prices have eased this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($300 to $350/t) Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($80 to $150/t) Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: -10 ($100 to $160/t) Prices have eased this week.Please note unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, sourced and 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.