Hay Report – 05 July 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.
• Sowing percentages are down this season with many farmes not sowing crops. 
• 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^stJanuary 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. 
• Next seasons crops have germinated in parts of the region. These crops are currently looking healthy in parts of the region that experienced their autumn break.
• 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^stJanuary 2018. For more information and to apply please visit https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate-and-emergencies/droughthub

Western Australia – Summary

• Next seasons crops have germinated and it is currently looking to be another good season.
• 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

• It has been a wet week in the Atherton Tablelands with little break in the weather.
• Some farmers were anticipating a sunny week and cut hay early in the week. This has been rained on however it may still make good feed if the condtions dry.
• Demand for hay is strong both locally and externally. 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

• It was a dry week in the Darling Downs with only a light drizzle falling over the weekend.
• The Darling Downs is dry and brown. The grass is not growing and crops are struggling. The region is in need of some rain.
• Demand for feed remains steady 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.
• Cereal hay and Lucerne prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +25 ($600 to $650/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Lucerne hay: +25 ($700 to $800/t). Prices have firmed 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

• It has been a wet and drizzly week in north coast NSW with Lismore recording 19mm, Grafton 23mm and Coffs Harbour 12mm.
• Farmers are waiting for the weather to clear to make some feed. There is Rhodes grass, rice straw and failed cane ready to be made. There is a bit of waterlogging occurring in low lying areas. For some late sown crops these rains could be causing damage.
• 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 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. 
• It has been noted there is rice stubble available in the region for $200-$250/t.
• Pasture hay prices have firmed 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: +50 ($300 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.
• 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^stJanuary 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 on Sunday with Cowra recording 13mm, Orange 12mm, Forbes 10mm and Dubbo 3mm. Light frosts were also reported in parts of the region.
• Central West NSW is dry and in need of some rainfall. There is no grass growth and any crops that have been planted are struggling.
• 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 and Lucerne prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +10 ($550 to $650/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Lucerne hay: +25 ($650 to $750/t). Prices have firmed 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

• After a drizzly weekend Bega received no rainfall. Heavy frosts were also reported.
• Bega is in need of rain. Dryland crops and grass are struggling in the region.
• Enquiry continues to increase in Bega. 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

• Sunday brought rain to the Goulburn Valley with Yarrawonga recording 14mm of rainfall, Shepparton 14mm, Echuca 12mm and Kyabram 14mm. 
• The rain has been promising for farmers. Next seasons crops are looking good and the grass continues to grow. Some farmers in the region anticipate that by the end of August the grass will be ahead of the cows. Water allocations for the region were released this week and there was a 2% allocation. Irrigation water will be an issue for the region. 
• External demand is strong in the region and steady locally. Many farmers in the region are feeling confident after the last rain event which has helped ease demand in the region. 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

• Scattered rain fell over Gippsland on Sunday with the south of the region receiving more rainfall than the east.
• South Gippsland is green and next seasons crops are looking good. This part of the region is almost too wet while the rest of Gippsland is very dry. There is no grass growth in east Gippsland and what crops have been planted are struggling. Some of these crops have germinated and germination has been patchy. This part of the region is in need of some good rainfall.
• 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 kernals 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. 
• Cereal hay prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +50 ($470 to $550/t). Prices have firmed 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

• Rain fell on Sunday in southwest Victoria with Warrnambool recording 18mm of rain and Colac 19mm.
• The grass continues to grow and farmers are trying to make the most of this growth. Next seasons crops are looking really good and healthy; farmers are anticipating a good season. 
• 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. There is a bit more hay coming onto the market but there is not much of this. 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

• The weekend brought rain to southeast South Australia with Keith recording 10mm, Naracoorte 11mm and Padthaway 11m.
• With the rain and warmer weather, the grass has started to grow again. 
• Local demand has eased in the region and there is a little bit more hay coming onto the market with the rain. External demand remains strong and supply is limtied. Hay is moving quickly and most hay in the sheds is now committed. 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

• Patchy rain fell over the weened in central South Australia with Kadina recording 9mm and Clare 21mm.
• The rains have been beneficial to next seasons crops. It has been reported that for many farmers, this seasons crops are currently ahead and looking better than last season.
• Demand in central South Australia remains strong and is largely coming from outside the region. Supplies are limited with most feed now spoken for. More feed is being released onto the market but there is very little of this. 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 over southwest Victoria this week with Bridgetown recording 23mm and Busselton 11mm.
• The grass is growing in southwest Western Australia and for some it is starting to get away. Crops have germinated in the region and are looking good.
• Demand has eased in the region. Hay supplies are tight in southwest Western Australia and there is limited carryover from previous seasons as most of this has moved to the eastern states. New seasons supplies have moved fast. 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 wet week in northwest Tasmania with Marrawah recording 55mm of rainfall and Smithton 59mm.
• Northwest Tasmania remains green, however grass growth has slowed right down.
• 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. 
• It has been reported silage is available in the region from $70/bale on farm. 
• Lucerne hay prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($140 to $230/t) Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +50 ($300 to $350/t) Prices have firmed 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.