Hay Report – 24 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 sown 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 has been a drizzly week in the Atherton Tablelands with 9mm of rainfall recorded in Walkamin.
• The rain has put a stop to hay making this week. There is still a little bit of hay to be made once the weather clears. Farmers are hoping to get another cut in before winter.
• Demand is strong coming from both inside and outside the region. There is limited supply available with supplies moving fast.
• 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

• Light rain fell in the Darling Downs this week with Toowoomba recording 2mm.
• The Darling Downs is dry and in need of some rain. Crops that were sown are struggling and are going backwards.
• Demand remains high in the Darling Downs. Supply of feed 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.
• Cereal hay, lucerne and straw prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +38 ($580 to $620/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Lucerne hay: +75 ($700 to $750/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Straw: +40 ($380 to $450/t). Prices have firmed 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

• Patchy rain fell in north coast NSW this week with Lismore recording 9mm, Grafton 20mm and Coffs Harbour 3mm.
• North coast NSW is green and the grass continues to grow. Farmers are busy this week making cutting grasses to make hay. Some farmers will be making oats silage next week.
• Demand is strong coming from both inside and outside the region. Farmers are making sure they have enough feed to last them through winter. There is limited supply of feed 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 silage available in the regions for $100 – $150/bale 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: +25 ($250 to $350/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

Central West NSW

• It was a dry week in central west NSW with no rainfall recorded in the region.
• Central west NSW is dry and in need of some rainfall. Farmers are still sowing crops but are planning for a tough finish.
• 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 canola being delivered to the region from $400/t.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +28 ($500 to $580/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Lucerne hay: +75 ($650 to $700/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Straw: +60 ($320 to $400/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Pasture hay: +75 ($400 to $500/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

• Bega has had a drizzly week with 2mm recorded in the region.
• The grass continues to grow in Bega. Many farmers are getting in their final cuts of silage and are busy sowing 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

• Rain fell in the Goulburn Valley this week and with more rain forecast the autumn break has come. Shepparton recorded 3mm of rainfall, Benalla 4mm, Yarrawonga 1mm, Echuca 3mm and Kyabram 5mm.
• Rain in the region has been patchy with parts of the region in need of some more rain while others have had so much they are only now able to get on their paddocks to start sowing. For most in the region, sowing is well underway.
• Demand for feed is strong in the region and supply is limited. There is a high demand for protein hay but there is very little of this. It is postulated that there are farmers in the region sitting on reserves to ensure they have themselves covered. 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 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: +90 ($600 to $700/t). Prices have firmed this week
• Straw: +/-0 ($150 to $190/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +25 ($420 to $480/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

• Bits of drizzle fell in Gippsland this week with Yarram recording 1mm, Yanakie 4mm, Bairnsdale 1mm, and Sale 2mm.
• For parts of the region rains have helped germinate weeds, however moisture in the soil is superficial and much more is needed. Farmers are sowing crops but there is little moisture in the soil to do this. There are very little cereal crops being planted.
• 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. 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. Hay and straw prices quoted are from outside the region.
• It has been reported there is some canola being delivered to the region from $420/t.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($440 to $490/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 ($380 to $480/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

• Southwest Victoria had their autumn break last week and more rain has fallen this week with Warrnambool recording 9mm of rainfall and Colac 3mm.
• Farmers are busy sowing their usual rotations. Soil moisture is ideal for sowing crops in the region.
• Local demand has eased however demand coming from outside the region remains high. It is becoming increasingly difficult to source quality feed. Supplies are limited in the region however some farmers are letting go of some hay following the autumn break and it is postulated that more feed might come onto the market. 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.
• Cereal hay, pasture hay and straw prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +15 ($360 to $440/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($425 to $500/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +5 ($190 to $200/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Pasture hay: +25 ($330 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.

Southeast South Australia

• The autumn break has come for southeast South Australia. Rain fell this week with Mt Gambier recording 18mm, Naracoorte 11mm, Keith 16mm and Padthaway 15mm.
• Rains have allowed dormant seeds to germinate. Farmers are busy getting their crops rotations into the ground.
• Demand has eased in the region however is still strong externally. Hay is moving quickly and most hay in the sheds is now committed. Hay supplies in the region are limited. It is postulated that with the autumn break some farmers may release more hay to the market. 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

• Rain fell in central South Australia with Kadina, Clare and Maitland recording 9mm of rainfall this week. Central South Australia have yet to have their autumn break but there is more rain forecast for the weekend.
• There is superficial moisture in the soil that has allowed weeds to germinate. Farmers are busy sowing their usual crop rotations despite the lack of subsoil moisture.
• Demand in the region is very strong however has eased a little locally. It is postulated that with the rain some farmers may release more of their hay supplies. External demand remains very strong. 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). Prices 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

• Ran fell this week in southwest Western Australia with Bridgetown recording 16mm and Busselton 15mm.
• Conditions are dry in southwest Western Australia. Farmers are still heavily relying on hand feeding.
• Demand is strong and increasing in southwest Western Australia. There is limited carryover from previous seasons as most of this has moved to the eastern states. New seasons supplies have moved fast and there is limited supply available. It is becoming difficult to source feed.
• 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 16mm of rainfall and Smithton 18mm.
• North-west Tasmania remains green and the grass continues to grow. Some paddocks are getting too wet.
• 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.