Hay Report – 14 June 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.
• Rice straw and corn stubble is being turned into feed and is moving fast.
• 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 has received their autumn break. There is a green tinge to the region and while the grass is starting to grow farmers are still relying on hand feeding.  
• 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.  Hay supplies are running tight.
• 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

• Monday was the only day this week that provided a break from the drizzly weather in the Atherton Tablelands. 
• The weather continues to hold off activity on the farm. There is hay ready to be made once there is a break in the weather.
• 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

• The Darling Downs has started to experience their first frosts, these have been light and localised. Drizzle fell for much of the week with Toowoomba recording 4mm over the week, this was not enough to wet the soil.
• The Darling Downs is brown with no grass growth. There has been very little winter planting occurring and what has been planted has either died or is dying.
• Demand for feed continues to increase in the Darling Downs with many farmers having held off purchasing feed in the hope of rain. Feed supplies are very limited in the region. 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 silage available in the region from $90/t on farm.
• It has been reported that there is some corn silage available in the region from $120/t on farm.
• 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

• The weather has started to cool in north coast NSW and parts of the region have experienced their first frosts. Patchy rain fell on Saturday with Lismore recording 1mm, Grafton 6mm and Coffs Harbour 7mm.
• The grass continues to grow in the north coast NSW however is slowing. For parts of the region the ground is too wet to plant. There is still some feed being made in the region such as millet and early oats.
• There is a high demand coming from outside the region with lot of hay being carted from the region west to areas such as the Northern Tablelands and Tamworth. Locally there is demand coming from farmers who are trying to make sure they have enough feed to last them the winter. Hay supplies in the region are limited and many sheds are empty.  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 – $160/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

• Rains in the central west NSW have been patchy and not wide spread. Frosts have been reported and the region is drying out.
• Some farmers have been busy this week turning failed sorghum crops and sorghum stubble into feed. Farmers in the region have just finished sowing wheat crops. Some early sown crops are just out of the ground and are in need of some rain.
• 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.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($500 to $650/t). Prices remain steady 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

• Bega experienced a couple of drizzly days this week, but this has not been enough to wet the soil. The region has reported its first frosts which are further drying out the soil.
• While Bega remains green the grass has stopped growing and the soil is dry.
• 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

• Patchy rain fell in the Goulburn Valley this week with Yarrawonga recording 15mm of rainfall, Shepparton 12mm, Echuca 2mm and Kyabram 11mm.
• Next seasons crops are looking promising. With the consistent rainfall it is anticipated many farmers will only need a reasonable end to the season. 
• Demand is very strong in the region and supply is limited. Farmers in the Riverina are baling 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. It is thought that with the consistent rainfall some of this feed may be released onto the market. 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.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($380 to $440/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($600 to $700/t). Prices remain steady this week
• Straw: +/-0 ($150 to $200/t). Prices remain steady 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

• Rain has started to fall in Gippsland but much more is needed for much of the region. Rains are too late for most of Gippsland with only south Gippsland receiving a break. Light frosts have been reported in the region.
• In parts of Gippsland the grass is starting to grow and the south of the region remains green. Some farmers who were unable to sow as the ground was too dry are sowing some late crops.
• Demand is very strong and continues to increase. Rain is increasing the need for feed in dry parts of the region as stock require more feed to keep warm. 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.
• Pasture hay prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($450 to $490/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($550 to $570/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($200 to $250/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +30 ($440 to $560/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

• Rain fell in southwest Victoria this week with Colac recording 15mm of rainfall and Warrnambool 19mm.
• Farmers in the region are spreading nitrogen on pastures which continue to grow. Next seasons crops are looking healthy. 
• Demand coming from outside the region is very strong, locally the demand is steady. with the high price of feed, farmers in the region are trying to get by buying as little feed as possible. Supply of feed in the region is limited and 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. 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.
• Lucerne and pasture hay prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($360 to $440/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +113 ($550 to $600/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($190 to $200/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +15 ($360 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

• Frosts have started to come through the region. Some much-needed rain fell in southeast South Australia this week with Mount Gambier recording 28mm, Naracoorte 20mm, Keith 20mm and Padthaway 22mm.
• Grass in the region continues to grow, albeit slowly. The region was starting to dry however the rains this week have helped alleviate the situation. Next seasons crops have come up and are just out of the ground. 
• Demand is strong coming from both inside and outside the region. Locally some farmers are finding they might be short and are trying to secure hay supplies. 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.
• Cereal hay and Lucerne prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +60 ($400 to $450/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Lucerne hay: +50 ($500 to $550/t). Prices have firmed 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

• Central South Australia received its first large rain event of the year with much of the region recording at least 40mm. The rainfall was widespread and with more rain forecast the outlook for the region has changed.
• Crops in the region have germinated and are looking good despite the prolonged dry conditions in the region. The rain event this week will be very beneficial to these crops. 
• 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.
• Cereal hay and Lucerne prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +40 ($400 to $440/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Lucerne hay: +45 ($520 to $600/t). Prices have firmed 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

• Southwest Western Australia received their autumn break this week with Busselton recording 100mm of rainfall over the week.
• With the rain the grass has started to grow and there is a green tinge to the area. Farmers are finishing off sowing their crops this week.
• Demand is strong in southwest Western Australia however has eased a little with the rain. There is limited carryover from previous seasons as most of this has moved to the eastern states. New seasons supplies have moved fast and supplies are tight. It is becoming difficult to source feed. Many farmers are sourcing barley straw for feed.
• There are no price changes noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($410 to $460/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($500 to $600). 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 a wet week in northwest Tasmania with Marrawah recording 56mm of rainfall and Smithton 43mm.
• The region remains green and the grass continues to grow slowly. There is a bit of waterlogging occurring with the rain.
• Demand is starting to pick up in the region and is very strong throughout the rest of the state. Many farmers are trying to make sure they have enough feed to have themselves covered. Parts of the state are very dry and in need of feed.
• It has been reported silage is available in the region from $70/bale on farm.
• Cereal and pasture hay prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +35 ($140 to $230/t) Prices have firmed 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: +5 ($100 to $150/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.