Hay Report – 28 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. 
• 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

• Most of Western Australia has received their autumn break and farmers in the region are finishing sowing for next season. Rains have been patchy and parts of the region remain dry. 
• 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 tight in Western Australia.
• 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 sun was shining early this week in the Atherton Tablelands but as the week progressed cloud cover has increased and brought the threat of showers.   
• Farmers were busy making hay earlier this week. With the cooler weather it is taking a lot longer to dry and with the threat of showers coming in later in the week hay making activities have slowed. 
• Demand for hay is strong and is largely coming from outside the region from areas such as Gatton and Brisbane. 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 is very dry and in need of some rain. No rainfall was recorded this week. Strong winds and frosts have also been reported, further drying the soil.
• Not much has been planted in the Darling Downs this season and what has been planted is struggling with some crops already having died. 
• 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 that there is some sorghum silage available in the region from $90/bale on farm.
• It has been reported that there is some corn silage available in the region from $120/bale on farm. 
• 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

• Rain fell over north coast NSW this week. Rain has been widespread but patchy with Lismore recording 69mm, Grafton 24mm and Coffs Harbour 157mm. 
• Grass growth has slowed to almost a stop in north coast NSW. Rains have been a hinderance to making feed in the region however has filled many dams. There is water lying on the ground and heavy rains in parts of the region may cause problems for those who have planted later in the season.
• 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 – $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

• Central west NSW is very dry and in need of some rainfall. Heavy frosts have been reported throughout the region this week further drying the soil.
• Not a lot of cereal crops have been planted this season in central west NSW. Crops that have been planted are struggling and are in need of some rainfall. It has been reported that many crops are being eaten by kangaroos.
• Demand continues to increase in central west NSW 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: +15 ($530 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 1st January 2018. For more information and to apply please visit https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate-and-emergencies/droughthub 

Bega Valley

• Bega is in need of some rainfall. With no rainfall recorded for over three weeks and frosts reported throughout the region soils have dried out.
• The irrigated regions of Bega remain green; however, dryland areas have browned, and soils have dried out.
• 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 1st January 2018. For more information and to apply please visit https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate-and-emergencies/droughthub 

Goulburn/Murray Valley

• Little bits of drizzle fell over the Goulburn Valley this week, however these were not enough to wet the soil. Frosts have also been reported throughout the region. Some needed rain is forecast later this week.
• Grass has stopped growing in the region and frosts have dried out the tops of the soil. Late planted crops are starting to struggle and are in need of some rain. Earlier sown crops are looking healthy however growth has slowed. Water may be an issue for the Goulburn Valley with water prices high and expected to sky rocket at the start of the season. 
• Demand is very strong amd supply is limited. Farmers in the region are looking to source cereal straw due to the cost feed. Gassed rice straw and mouldy corn stubble is being carted into the region from the Riverina. 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 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

• Light rain fell over parts of Gippsland this week, however for most of the region this was a light drizzle. Frosts were also reported this week.
• Gippsland has cooled and the grass has stopped growing in the region. Frosts have further dried the soil in the region. Very little cereal crops have been planted this season. 
• 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 including almond hulls, palm kernels and oranges. There is a high demand for cereal hay but this is increasingly difficult to source. Hay and straw prices quoted are from outside the region. 
• No price changes have been noted 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: +/-0 ($440 to $560/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

• Patchy rain fell over southwest Victoria this week with Colac recording 7mm of rainfall and Warrnambool recording 17mm. Frosts were also reported in the region.
• Grass continues to grow in southwest Victoria. Farmers are trying to make the most of this growth spreading urea and nitrogen. For some the need for hand feeding has decreased over the last few weeks. 
• Demand has eased locally but demand coming from outside the region remains high. Hay supplies are limited with most hay in the region now committed. It is postulated that some farmers may be sitting on some hay supplies until the end of financial year. 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 vetch available in the region from $420/t delivered locally. 
• No price changes have been noted this week. 
• No price changes noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($360 to $440/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($550 to $600/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($190 to $200/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($360 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

• It was a dry week in southeast South Australia with no rainfall recorded. Frosts have also been reported in the region. Rain is forecast over the weekend for the region.
• The grass in southeast South Australia continues to grow, albeit slowly. Next seasons crops have germinated and are looking promising however with the recent frosts are in need of some rain. 
• Demand is strong largely coming from 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. Hay is also being moved into the region from Victoria. Pasture hay in the region is largely for personal use.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($400 to $450/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($500 to $550/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($150 to $200/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.

Central South Australia

• It has been a dry week in central South Australia but there is rain forecast over the weekend for the region. Frosts have also been reported in the region.
• Grass in the region continues to grow slowly. Early planted crops have germinated and are looking good. With the cool weather has slowed germination for later sown crops. Farmers are busy this week spreading fertilizer in anticipation for rain.  
• Demand in central South Australia remains strong and is largely coming from outside the region. Supplies are limited with most feed now spoken for. There is a lot of hay moving out as well as into the region. 
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($400 to $440/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($520 to $600/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 

• Rain fell this week in southwest Western Australia with Bridgetown recording 62mm and Busselton 42mm.
• Grass is growing in the region and farmers are finishing off sowing. Crops have started to germinate and are looking good. 
• Demand has eased a little with the rain however remains strong. Some have missed out on the rain and there is a high demand coming from these parts of the region. 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. 
• There are no price changes 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 a drizzly week in northwest Tasmania. Frosts were also reported for parts of the region.
• Grass continues to grow slowly in northwest Tasmania and the region is green. East and south of the region is quite dry.
• Demand has picked 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. Lucerne is in short supply and very difficult to source. Some farmers sourcing Lucerne from Victoria. Lucerne prices noted are those from within the state. 
• 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 ($140 to $230/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 $150/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. We recommend feed testing and viewing of fodder before purchase to be sure of the quality of feed.