Hay Report – 21 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

• It has been cooling down this week and there is reported 75% cloud cover in the tablelands, which is extending curing times of the cut hay sitting in paddocks.
• Rhodes grass seed crops have failed due to poor weather conditions and have been cut for hay. This has slightly lifted supply of hay in the region and is of good quality for stockfeed.
• Demand for hay is strong and is largely coming from outside the region. Hay supplies are limited and are moving fast.
• Demand is picking up from the south and west of the Tablelands, specifically from Gatton. There is steady demand for little square bales in the local market. 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’s been wintery in the Darling Downs this week with light morning frosts.
• There is very little activity on farm.
• 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.
• Lucerne small bales are reportedly selling for $38 for a small square.
• 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

• Weather in north coast NSW is quite cool and cloudy. There was reportedly unusual stormy weather over the weekend, with patchy falls ranging from 1-40mm.
• The rain was helpful for new winter cereals crop plantings yet unhelpful for some pasture hay making in the region. There is reportedly some oats being made into round bale silage as it’s too wet to cure for hay.
• Demand remains to be very strong and there is very limited supply. There is a high demand coming from outside the region with lot of hay being carted 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. 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 carted 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

• It’s been cold, cloudy and frosty in the central west this week.
• Farmers in the region have just finished sowing wheat crops.
• After some recent rainfall in Victoria and South Australia, there has been more hay released into New South Wales market this week.
• 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. However it has been hard to make because of the high humidity and low temperatures.
• It has been reported that there is corn stubble available in the region from $250-300/t. delivered.
• 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 missed the rain this week and some farmers reportedly irrigated. The hill country is drying out. 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

• There was not much follow up rain this week in the Goulburn/Murray Valley, with less than one millimetre of rain falling on a couple days this week.
• Some hay is being released onto the market the week after the rains a couple weeks back, and 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 continues to remain very 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 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

• There were reports of 5mm of rain this week in south east Gippsland and Latrobe Valley but it’s still very dry and there is little growth with cooler weather.
• Farmers are at the tail-end of sowing cereals and pasture seed and are actively controlling capeweed and redlegged earth mite.
• Demand remains strong. 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.
• No price changes are 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 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 is seasonally wet in Western Victoria with more rain again this week. Colac recorded 10mm of rainfall and Warrnambool 15mm.
• Next seasons crops are looking healthy.
• Demand coming from outside the region is very strong and local demand is steady. Supply of feed in the region is limited and it is becoming increasing difficult to source feed. With decent rainfalls and a more promising season ahead, more hay is moving onto the market. 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.
• 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 have firmed this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($190 to $200/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($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

• More frosts have developed along the coast and some areas are recording 60mm of rain for the month of June.
• There is still some late cereal drilling left in the region and people are spreading urea to maximise yields. Grass in the region continues to grow, albeit slowly. Next seasons crops have come up and are just out of the ground. 
• Demand is strong coming from both inside and outside the region. Hay supplies are thinning. 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. Pasture hay in the region is largely for personal use.
• Straw and pasture prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($400 to $450/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($500 to $550/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Straw: +20 ($150 to $200/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +25 ($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

• Central South Australia received its first large rain event of the year two weeks ago 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 was very beneficial to these crops and most farmers would have stopped their seeding by now.
• 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.
• No price changes noted this week
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($400 to $440/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($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

• With the autumn break the grass has started to grow and there is a green tinge to the area. Farmers are finishing off sowing their crops.
• 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

• 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.
• No price changes noted this week
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($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: +/-0 ($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.