Hay Report – 3 May 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 started to moisten the soil in parts of the region, for many this is already drying out.
• Many farmers in the region made the most of the rain and sewed winter crops such as oats and barley.  For many, these crops are in need of some more rainfall to provide feed.
• 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

• This seasons hay is limited in supply and there is 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 was a large amount of canola crops and failed wheat crops that have been turned into hay this season. This has moved fast and there is limited supply available.
• Securing long term, reliable supplies of quality hay may well be an issue for parts of the south.
• Farmers in the region are getting ready to start sewing crops such as wheat, oats and barley.
• 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.
• Crops have started to be sewn 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

• The weather has been drizzly in the Atherton Tablelands. 
• There is a lot of hay ready to be made once there is a break in the weather. This hay is getting quite old.
• There is little local demand however there is a lot of demand coming from outside the region from towns such as Gatton. There is limited supply available with a lot of hay waiting to be cut.
• 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 with no rainfall recorded.     
• The Darling Downs is in need of some rain. Crops that have been planted are not looking healthy and the region is turning brown.
• 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.
• There are no price changes noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($550 to $575/t). Prices have firmed 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

• Patches of drizzle have fallen over north coast NSW this week, with no significant rainfall recorded in the region.
• Oats planted in the region are looking good and rye grasses are looking ok. There is hay ready to be made once the weather clears and there is soybean stubble which will be baled in the coming weeks.
• Demand is quiet in the region and there is limited supply available. 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.
• There are no price changes 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 ($200 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

• It was a dry week in central west NSW with no rainfall recorded. Parts of the region also reported light frosts.
• Rain is forecast for the region and farmers are waiting to see what this brings. If the rain provides some soil moisture many farmers in the region will start sewing wheaten and other cereal crops. A lot of farmers in the region will not be planting canola crops or pastures this season.
• Demand remains strong in the region. 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.
• It has been reported that there is corn stubble being delivered to the region from $250/t.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($475 to $550/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($550 to $650/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0($280 to $320/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($350 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 received drizzle on Friday in what was otherwise a dry week.
• Bega remains green and dam water levels are good. Rye grasses that have been planted are doing well and there are farmers in the region still making silage. Farmers are preparing to sod seed and sew crops.
• 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 and are trying to get by on their own feed. The prices quoted are for hay and straw to be carted into the region.
• It has been reported that there is silage available in the region from $100/bale on farm.  
• 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

• It was a dry week in the Goulburn Valley with no rainfall recorded in the region.
• With rain forecast for the region, some farmers were baling the last of their corn stubble.
• Demand for feed is strong in the region and supply is limited. Many farmers in the region are only servicing existing customers. A lot of the hay that is now moving is lowgrade. There is a lot of hay being carted into and out of the region.
• It has been reported canola is available in the region from $300/t on farm.
• It has been reported there is some corn stubble available in the region from $170/t on farm.
• It has been reported that there is some gassed rice straw silage available from $100/bale delivered locally.
• No price changes are noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($380 to $440/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0($550 to $570/t). Prices remain steady this week
• Straw: +/-0 ($150 to $190/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($400 to $450/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

• Scattered rain fell in Gippsland this week with Yarram recording 8mm, Yanakie 20mm, Bairnsdale and Sale recorded 1mm, while Orbost only recorded a light drizzle. 
• Some farmers in the region are busy harvesting maize for grain. The south of the region has a green tinge and a lot of farmers in this part of the region are busy sewing crops. For the rest of the region there are some farmers who are trying to dry sew but many are holding off as the ground is so dry it is hard to get the seed in properly. 
• Demand is very strong and continues to increase. Supply is limited with feed being sourced from outside the region. A lot of alternatives are being sourced and used in the region. There is a high demand for cereal hay but this is increasingly difficult to source. 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 $420/t.
• It has been reported that there is corn stubble being delivered to the region from $180/t.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($435 to $475/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 with Warrnambool recording 11mm and Colac recording 27mm.
• A lot of farmers in the region are sewing pastures. 
• Demand is really strong and supply is limited. It is becoming increasingly difficult to source quality feed. Most pasture hay in the region is not being sold and is for personal use. Hay and straw is being carted into the region from the Wimmera/Mallee region. 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.
• No price changes have been noted 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 ($180 to $200/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($260 to $320/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

• Light patchy rain fell in southeast South Australia with Mt Gambier recording 5mm, Naracoorte 1mm while Keith and Padthaway recorded none.
• With fire restrictions over there are farmers busy burning their stubble. Some farmers have started to dry sew crops in the region but most farmers are waiting for a bit of moisture in the soil and for dormant seeds to germinate.
• Demand is very strong and continues to increase coming from both within and outside the region. Hay is moving quickly and most 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.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($350 to $380/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($450 to $500/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($140 to $170/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($300 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.

Central South Australia

• It was a dry week in central South Australia with no rainfall recorded. 
• There are some farmers in the region that are dry sewing canola and bean crops, however most farmers are waiting for a bit of moisture in the soil before starting to sew. 
• Demand in the region is very strong coming from both within and outside the region. Supplies are limited with most feed now spoken for. 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.
• It has been reported that there is canola hay available in the region for $300-$350/t on farm.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($350 to $410/t). remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($480 to $550/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($200 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 a dry week in southwest Western Australia with no rainfall recorded in the region.     
• Many farmers in the region have now started their canola programs.
• 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 14mm of rainfall and Smithton 13mm.
• The grass in northwest Tasmania continues to grow.
• Demand remains quiet however has started to pick-up, in particular for roughage. 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.