Hay Report – 12 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. Farmers in the region are busy sewing winter crops such as oats, wheat and barley.
• 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

• It was another wet week in the Atherton Tablelands with Walkamin recording 16mm.
• There is a lot of hay ready to be made in the region. Some farmers cut late this week and this got a little rain on it.
• There is little local demand however there is a lot of demand coming from outside the region from towns such as Gatton.
• 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 a dry week in the Darling Downs this week with Toowoomba recording no rainfall.    
• The region is looking green and grasses are growing. Farmers are busy sewing oats, wheat and barley for winter.
• Demand remains high however has eased a little. 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.
• Cereal hay prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: -23 ($530 to $575/t). Prices have eased 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

• Light rain fell on north coast NSW this week with Lismore recording 3mm, Coffs Harbour 5mm and Grafton 5mm. The weather remains warm in the region.
• The region is looking very green and the grasses are growing well in the warmth. Oats continue to be sewn. Early sewn oats are growing well with some already being grazed.
• Demand has eased over the last few weeks but remains high. There is limited supply available in the region. There have been some failed crops turned into feed in the region and these vary greatly in 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.
• Pasture hay prices have eased 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: -15 ($200 to $350/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-emergencies/droughthub

Central West NSW

• There was no rainfall recorded in central west NSW this week, light frosts were reported in parts of the region.
• There are areas in the region that are green and have good grass growth, however as rain has been patchy many parts of the region remain brown. Oats, barley and wheat continue to be sewn in the region.
• Demand remains 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.
• It has been reported there is forage sorghum available from $400/t on farm.
• It has been reported there is clover being delivered to the region from $450/t.
• It Has been reported there is canola being delivered to the region from $400/t.
• Straw and Lucerne prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($450 to $500/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($550 to $650/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +75($280 to $320/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Pasture hay: +25 ($350 to $400/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.
• 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

• Rain fell in Bega this week with the region recording 25mm of rainfall. 
• The grass is still going in Bega. Some farmers are getting in another cut of silage.
• Demand is very quiet in Bega with farmers relying on their own feed. Farmers in the region have made a lot of silage for themselves. 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

• No rain fell in the Goulburn Valley region this week.
• There are green areas where farmers have been watering but many are low on irrigation water.
• Demand continues is very strong in the region and hay is moving. Enquiry is coming from both inside and outside the region. There is 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: +/-0 ($360 to $400/t). Prices remain steady 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: +/-0 ($350 to $410/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

• Patchy rain fell in Gippsland this week with Bairnsdale recording 4mm of rainfall, Wonthaggi 6mm, Yarram 4mm, Yanakie 13mm, Sale 2mm, and Orbost 2mm.  
• East of Yarram remains very dry. The is no moisture in the subsoil and heavy rains are needed.
• Demand is very strong in the region. There is pasture hay coming from the south of the region however there is limited supply left of this. 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 being delivered to the region from $400/t.
• It has been reported that there is corn stubble being delivered to the region from $160/t.
• 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 6mm of rainfall and Warrnambool 16mm.
• Rain has been patchy and there are still some dry areas in the region. Those who have had substantial rainfall are seeing good grass growth.
• 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. Hay supplies in the region are becoming limited. 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: +30 ($260 to $320/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

• Light rain fell in southeast South Australia with Mt Gambier recording 3mm of rainfall, Keith 5mm, Padthaway 4mm and Naracoorte 5mm.
• The region remains very dry. Farmers are eating into their own supply.
• 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 supplies in the region are limited. Hay is being carted from the region to NSW, Victoria and Queensland. Pasture hay in the region is largely for personal use.
• Pasture hay prices have firmed 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: +20 ($260 to $300/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.

Central South Australia

• Light rain fell in central South Australia with Kadina and Clare recording 1mm of rainfall, while Maitland recorded 2mm.
• There are some farmers in the region who have started dry sewing in the region.
• 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. Feed in the region is becoming limited with a lot of the hay in the region 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.
• Cereal hay, Lucerne and straw prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +25 ($350 to $410/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Lucerne hay: +40 ($480 to $550/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Straw: +20 ($200 to $250/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 Western Australia

• It was a dry week in south west Western Australia with no rainfall recorded.    
• Some farmers in the region are dry sewing crops.
• Demand is steady in southwest Western Australia with 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 27mm of rainfall and Smithton 33mm.
• Farmers are busy this week sewing winter crops.
• 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.