Hay Report – 5 April 2019

Northern Australia – Summary

• New season hay continues to be made in some parts of 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.
• Late rains have started to moisten the soil in parts of the region. While some farmers have started sewing crops there are many waiting for higher levels of soil moisture.  
• 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-emergencies/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-emergencies/droughthub

Western Australia – Summary

• Western Australia is very dry and hand feeding is required in the region.
• There was a lot of high quality hay made this season and this is reflected in the high price for feed in the region.  
• 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 Walkamin recording 70mm.
• It is too wet to make hay. Much of the hay in the region is starting to get old and starting to push a head. Many farmers are hoping there is a break in the rain soon.
• There is little local demand however there is a lot of demand coming from outside the region from towns such as Gatton. Supply is becoming 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

• Rain continues to fall in the Darling Downs with Toowoomba recording 45mm.    
• With the follow-up rain farmers in the region are busy sewing oats. The grass is starting to grow and the region is starting to look green.
• Demand is high in the Darling Downs. 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, millet and corn 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.
• It has been reported that there is corn silage available in the region from $120/t
• It has been reported that there is sorghum silage on the market from $100/t.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($550 to $600/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($600 to $700/t). remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($350 to $400/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.

North Coast NSW

• Scattered rain fell on north coast NSW this week with Lismore recording 34mm, Coffs Harbour 83mm and Grafton 21mm.
• A lot of grazier farmers have been busy planting rye grasses and early oats. There is some forage sorghum and Rhodes grass being baled at the moment which is mostly for personal use.
• Demand continues to ease with the rain but remains high and there is very limited supply available. There have been some failed crops turned into feed in the region and these vary greatly in cost and price There is a little bit of pasture hay in the region however most of this is spoken for. Lucerne, cereal hay and straw are being cared into the region from Victoria and South Australia. Cereal hay, Lucerne and straw prices are sourced from outside the region.
• It has been reported that there is soybean silage on the market from $300/t (wet) on farm.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($500 to $550/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($600 to $700/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($250 to $350/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($230 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.
• 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-emergencies/droughthub

Central West NSW

• Patchy rain fell in central west NSW with Orange recording 18mm of rainfall, Cowra 34mm and Forbes 20mm.
• A lot of farmers are taking advantage of the rain and sewing forage barley, oats and wheat. The rains have also allowed some rye grass in the region to get going.
• Demand is strong in the region, many farmers are putting in orders to make sure they are covered for winter. There is a high demand for roughage in the region but there is very little of this. Most hay in the region is already committed. There is limited Lucerne and straw left in the region, cereal hay and pasture hay are being sourced from outside central west NSW largely coming from Victoria. 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 ($450 to $500/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +25 ($550 to $650/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($200 to $250/t). Prices reman 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-emergencies/droughthub

Bega Valley

• Bega recorded 5mm of rain on Monday and a light drizzle on Tuesday.
• Bega remains green. There is wheat in the region ready to graze, some farmers have started to use their silage to allow young grasses in the paddocks to come up. There is some sod seeding happening in the valley.
• Demand is very quiet in Bega with farmers relying on their own feed. Enquiry for straw is starting to pick up in the region. The prices quoted are for hay and straw to be carted into 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-emergencies/droughthub

Goulburn/Murray Valley

• Light patchy rain fell in the Goulburn Valley this week with Benalla and Yarrawonga recording 2mm of rainfall, Shepparton recording alight drizzle while Echuca and Kyabram recorded none.
• Farmers in the region are busy sewing rye grasses and watering clover.
• Demand continues is very strong in the region and hay is moving. Many farmers are enquiring about standing feed. Enquiry is coming from both inside and outside the region. There is very limited Lucerne, cereal and pasture hay in the region.
• It has been reported canola is available in the region from $300/t on farm.
• There are no price changes noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +15 ($360 to $400/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($500 to $570/t). Prices remain steady this week
• Straw: +/-0 ($130 to $190/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +5 ($350 to $410/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.

Gippsland

• Scattered rain fell in Gippsland this week with Bairnsdale recording 23mm of rainfall, Yarram 3mm, Yanakie 13mm Sale 6mm, and Orbost 35mm.  
• Rain in Gippsland has been patchy. There is some green in the west of the region however the east remains very dry.
• Demand is very strong in the region. 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, and straw are priced from sources outside the region.
• It has been reported there is some canola available in the region from $400/t delivered locally.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($435 to $450/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($520 to $570/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($200 to $250/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.

Southwest Victoria

• Scattered rain fell in southwest Victoria this week with Colac recording 15mm of rainfall and Warrnambool 37mm.
• The region is looking green after the rain and has decreased the amount of hand feeding required for some. Farmers are hoping for some follow-up rain to get the pastures going.
• Demand is strong coming from all along the eastern states and is increasing in the region. A lot of hay is moving north. Hay in this region is also being purchased from nearby regions such as the Wimmera. Lucerne hay is being sourced and priced from southeast South Australia.
• It has been reported there is canola available in the region for $300 – $350/t delivered locally.
• Pasture hay prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($350 to $385/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($425 to $500/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($150 to $200/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +5 ($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.

Southeast South Australia

• Patchy rain fell in southeast South Australia with Mt Gambier recording 10mm of rainfall, Keith 5mm, Padthaway 3mm and Naracoorte 3mm.
• Farmers in the region are finishing off harvesting Lucerne seed and some have been making Lucerne straw.
• Demand is strong coming from both inside and outside the region. Hay is moving quickly and a lot of hay in the sheds is now committed. Hay is being carted from the region to NSW, Victoria and Queensland. Pasture hay in the region is largely for personal use.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($300 to $330/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($400 to $470/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($130 to $170/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($220 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

• Light patchy rain fell in central South Australia with Kadina and Maitland recording 2mm of rainfall, while Clare only recorded a light drizzle.
• The region remains very dry. Farmers are hoping for some rains to come soon so that any seed lying dormant can germinate before sewing crops in May.
• 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. Pea hay has been testing well and is high in protein. There is limited feed available in the region. A lot of hay in the region is now committed.  
• It has been reported that there is canola hay available in the region for $300-$350/t on farm.
• It has been reported that there is pea hay available in the region for $350-$400/t on farm.
• No Price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +10 ($340 to $370/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Lucerne hay: +15 ($450 to $500/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($180 to $230/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

• Light rain fell in southwest Western Australia this week with both Bridgetown and Busselton recording 1mm.    
• Most of the region remains dry and brown. Farmers are busy preparing for the autumn break.
• 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.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($300 to $380/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($450 to $490). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($130 to 180/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($240 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.

Northwest Tasmania

• Rain fell in north-west Tasmania this week with Marrawah recording 18mm of rainfall and Smithton 5mm.
• The region remains green and grass in the region continues to grow.
• Local demand is slow in north-west Tasmania however demand is starting to pick up in the south of the state. 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.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($130 to $170/t) Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($250 to $300/t) Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($80 to $130/t) Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($100 to $140/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.