Hay Report – 31 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 moistened soils and this allowed many farmers to sow crops. With the lack of follow-up rain in many of these regions these crops are struggling.
• The sowing window is drawing near to a close in the north of the nation and sowing percentages are down.
• 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.
• Late rains moistened soils and provided an autumn break for farmers in parts of the south of the nation. Some regions in the south have missed out on these rains and sowing percentages are down in these parts of the nation.
• While many farmers have sown their usual crop rotations, there are farmers who have opted to sow dual purpose crops.
• 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

• The threat of showers have loomed over the Atherton Tablelands however there has not been much in this with only Monday bringing a light drizzle.
• The weather is slowing activity on the farm. There is hay ready to be made once the weather clears.
• Demand for hay is strong and is largely coming from outside the region. Hay supplies are limited and are 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

• There was no substantial rainfall in the Darling Downs this week. Light drizzle fell on Saturday but this was not enough to wet the soil. There are frosts forecast for this weekend.
• The Darling Downs is very dry and there is no grass growth in the region. The window for sowing winter crops is closing and not many have sown. Early sown crops are struggling and if the frost comes through this weekend it may finish some of these off.
• Demand for feed is really high in the Darling Downs and there is limited feed available. Many farmers are sourcing cottonseed to use as a source of protein however there is little left of this with most of it already committed. Sorghum stubble is being sold in the region and there is sugar cane tops moving into the region from the Bundaberg/MacKay region, most of this is already committed. 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 $300/t on farm.
• It has been reported that there is some sugar cane tops available in the region from $300/t delivered locally.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($580 to $620/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($700 to $750/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($380 to $450/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

• Bits of drizzle fell over north coast NSW this week but no substantial rainfall was reported. Frosts have yet to set in but are forecast for later in the week.
• Farmers are busy getting in their last cut of tropical grasses. Millet is also being made and early sown oats is being turned into silage.
• Demand is strong in the region and feed is moving fast. There is a lot of hay being carted from the region west to areas such as the Northern Tablelands and Tamworth. Hay supplies are limited and many farmers are trying to secure feed to last them through the winter. 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.
• It has been reported that there is millet available in the region from $100/round bale.
• 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 ($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.
• 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 over central west NSW this week with Orange recording 10mm, Cowra 8mm, Forbes 5mm, while Dubbo only received a light drizzle.
• Central west NSW is dry and with the sowing window drawing near to a close sowing percentages are down. Coming into the third dry winter not as many farmers are willing to take the risk on dry sowing crops. Some farmers are using the last of their irrigation water to sow small amounts of crops. Earlier sown crops have germinated and are struggling.
• Demand is strong and it is becoming increasingly difficult to source hay. There is a high demand for cereal hay and wheaten straw. There is some corn stubble being moved into the area from the Riverina. Hay is moving fast in the region and is coming from all across the eastern states. 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 that there is corn stubble available in the region from $250/t.
• Cereal hay prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +35 ($500 to $650/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($650 to $700/t). Prices remain this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($320 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.
• 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

• It was a dry week in Bega with no rainfall recorded in the region.
• The region is starting to dry out and is in need of some decent rainfall. Rye grasses on irrigation are growing but drylands grasses are struggling.
• Enquiry has started to pick up in the region as it has started to dry. Hay is difficult to source and farmers are looking to source alternatives. Feed supplies are limited in Bega with farmers covering themselves. 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 with Echuca 15mm, Shepparton 14mm, Yarrawonga 12mm, Kyabram 18mm and Benalla 11mm.
• Farmers welcomed the much needed rain and are feeling more confident in the season ahead. It is starting to get colder in the region and the grass will stop growing soon.
• Demand is very strong in the region and farmers are looking to source cereal straw due to the cost feed. Farmers in the Riverina are starting to bale corn stubble again. As this has been exposed to rain it is mouldy. Rice straw continues to be made in the Riverina and sorghum stubble is starting to be baled. This feed is moving into the Goulburn Valley. 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 that corn stubble is available in the Goulburn Valley from $190/t.
• It has been reported there is gassed rice straw available in the region from $100/bale.
• 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.
• Straw prices have firmed 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: +5 ($150 to $200/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($420 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.

Gippsland

• Scattered ran fell in Gippsland and provided the first substantial rain event for some farmer in the region with Yanakie recording 96mm Bairnsdale 16mm, Sale 21mm, Orbost 10mm and Yarram 20mm. The region is yet to experience an autumn break and light frosts were reported this week for parts of the region.
• The window for sowing is drawing to a close and sowing percentages are down. Some farmers are using the last of their irrigation water to sow crops. Much of what is being sown is for personal use.
• 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 $440/t.
• Cereal, lucerne and pasture hay prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +5 ($450 to $490/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Lucerne hay: +15 ($550 to $570/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($200 to $250/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +40 ($440 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.

Southwest Victoria

• It was a wet week in southwest Victoria this week without a break in rain. Warrnambool recorded 43mm of rainfall for the week and Colac 28mm.
• The region is starting to cool, the grass is still growing albeit slowly. Southwest Victoria is looking green. Farmers in the region are finishing of sowing crops.
• Demand is very strong and supply is limited. It is becoming increasing difficult to source feed. Many farmers are trying to source pasture hay and low-grade cereal hay, however there is very little of this. With the rains throughout the nation extra hay has come onto the market but there is not much of this and it is moving quickly. Most hay in the region is now committed. 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 ($360 to $440/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($425 to $500/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($190 to $200/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($330 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.

Southeast South Australia

• Rain continues to fall in southeast South Australia with Padthaway recording 25mm, Naracoorte 19mm, Mount Gambier 35mm and Keith 29mm.
• The grass is growing in the region but as the weather cools this is starting to slow. Sowing is well underway in the region.
• Demand is strong and in the region. 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 has been patchy in central South Australia but continues to fall in the region with Kadina recording 10mm and Clare 25mm. Parts of the region have experienced their autumn break but the north of the region is still in need of more rain.
• The region is starting to look green and the grass is growing. Early sown crops are starting to germinate and are looking good. Things are starting to cool and soon growth will slow.
• The rain has eased local demand. It is postulated that more feed may come onto the market with the rains. 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.
• 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

• Bits of drizzle fell over southwest Western Australia this week but no substantial rainfall has been recorded.
• Southwest Western Australia remains dry with the region relying on hand feeding. Sowing is well underway in the region.
• 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

• It was another wet week in north-west Tasmania with Smithton recording 49mm and Marrawah 42mm.
• There is a bit of waterlogging occurring on flat lying ground. The weather is starting to cool but the grass is still growing and the region remains green.
• Demand remains quiet but it is anticipated that it will pick up in the next coming weeks as the cool weather settles in. 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 $70/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.