Hay Report – 26 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 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.
• There are farmers who have sown dual purpose crops rather than their usual rotations for next season. 
• 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

• Despite a little drizzle, the sun has been shining all week in the Atherton Tablelands.
• Farmers have been busy making hay this week. The region has browned off and there is no grass growth in the paddocks. 
• Demand for hay is strong both locally and externally. Hay supplies are limited and are moving fast. A lot of the hay being made is already committed.  
• 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

• No rainfall was recorded in the Darling Downs this week and the region remains dry.
• Crops in the region are really struggling if not already dead. Kangaroos are an issue for farmers with crops out of the ground. 
• Demand for hay has eased a little in the Darling Downs, it is postulated many farmers are waiting for next seasons crops before purchasing more hay. Hay supplies are limited in the Darling Downs with most hay in the region spoken for. Sorghum stubble is being sold in the region and there are sugar cane tops moving into the region from the Bundaberg/MacKay region, most of this is already committed. Farmers in the region are 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 $220/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 ($600 to $670/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($700 to $800/t). Prices remain steady tthis week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($380 to $450/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($450 to $650/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

• Despite a couple of drizzly days in parts of the region, the sun has been out and the weather fine in north coast NSW.
• Farmers were busy this week making hay and silage.
• Demand in north coast NSW continues to increase and feed is moving fast. There is a lot of hay moving from north coast NSW to areas west of the region such as the Northern Tablelands and Tamworth. Hay supplies are limited with most feed in the region now committed. 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. 
• It has been noted there is rice stubble available in the region for $200-$250/t.
• No price changes have been 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 ($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.
• 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

• It was a dry week in central west NSW with no rainfall recorded. Heavy frosts were also reported. 
• Central west NSW is in need of some rainfall. Crops are struggling and the region is looking brown. 
• Demand has eased a little in central west NSW and it is postulated some farmers are waiting for next seasons hay to come onto the market before purching. There is limited supply available in the region with most hay committed. There is some corn stubble being moved into the area from the Riverina. Hay is being sourced from outside central west NSW, largely coming from Victoria and South Australia. Cereal hay, pasture hay, lucerne 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 ($550 to $650/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($650 to $750/t). Prices remain steady 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

• Monday and Wednesday brought a little drizzle to Bega but this was not enough to wet the soil. Frosts were also reported in the region. 
• Bega is dry and in need of some decent rainfall. 
• Demand is steady in Bega and feed supplies are limited. Hay is difficult to source and farmers are looking to source alternatives. 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 canola being delivered to the region from $520/t.
• Cereal hay prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +15 ($520 to $550/t). Prices have firmed 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

• It was a mostly sunny week in the Goulburn Valley with parts of the region recording a light drizzle. Light frosts were also reported in parts of the region.  
• Next season crops are currently looking really good. Grass is still growing in the region and providing some sort of feed for stock.
• External demand is strong in the region but has eased locally. Gassed rice straw and mouldy corn stubble are being carted into the region from the Riverina. Many farmers in the region are only servicing existing customers. Some farmers in the region are releasing hay supplies, however there is little of this. 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.
• It has been reported there is some canola available in the region from $380/t on farm.
• No price changes have been reported this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($400 to $450/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($550 to $700/t). Prices remain steady this week
• Straw: +/-0 ($190 to $220/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 on Wednesday in Gippsland with Yarram recording 4mm of rainfall, Yanakie 14mm, Wonthaggi 11mm, Bairnsdale 6mm, Sale 5mm and Orbost 1mm. Strong winds have also reported in the region. 
• The wind is taking the moisture out of the soil in Gippsland. More rainfall is needed in the region, particularly in the east. 
• Demand remains strong in Gippsland and supply is limited with feed being sourced from outside the region. A lot of alternatives are being sourced and used in Gippsland including almond hulls, palm kernals, oranges and orange rinds. 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. 
• Lucerne hay prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($500 to $550/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +40 ($550 to $650/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($220 to $260/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 in southwest Victoria this week with Warrnambool recording 19mm of rainfall and Colac 20mm. 
• The season is coming along nicely in southwest Victoria. The grass is growing and the need to hand feed is tapering off for most. There are some farms in the region where it is too wet to get onto the paddock and these farms have a higher need for feed. 
• Local demand remains steady however external is 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. Hay and straw are 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. 
• Lucerne prices have firmed this week. 
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($400 to $440/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +25 ($550 to $650/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($190 to $200/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($370 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 fell over Tuesday and Wednesday in southeast South Australia with Naracoorte recording 13mm of rainfall, Padthaway 14mm and Mount Gambier 33mm.
• Southeast South Australia is green. The grass is growing and crops are looking healthy. 
• Demand has eased in the region and there is a little more hay coming onto the market however, hay supplies remain limited. 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.
• Lucerne prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($400 to $450/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +50 ($550 to $600/t). Prices have firmed 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 on Tuesday in central South Australia with Maitland recording 4mm of rainfall, Kadina 2mm and Clare none.
• Grass is growing slowly in cropping parts of the region, however many of the pastural areas have missed out on some of the rains and in these parts of the region grass is struggling to grow. Crops that have been sown are currently looking healthy with some earlier sown crops 15inches out of the ground.
• Demand in central South Australia is steady 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 of 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 Western Australia this week with Bridgetown recording 22mm of rainfall and Busselton 18mm.
• Crops are looking healthy but are a little late due to the late arrival of rain this season. While the region is looking green and the grass is growing stock water is an issue for some in parts of the region. 
• 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 and 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 another wet week in northwest Tasmania with Marrawah recording 33mm of rainfall and Smithton 32mm.
• North-west Tasmania remains green, the grass is growing, albeit slowly. With water lying in paddocks, some farmers are unable to get onto the paddock.
• Demand is strong in Tasmania. 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. There is a lucerne shortage in Tasmania with many finding this difficult to source. Cereal hay and lucerne is being sourced outside northwest Tasmania.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($200 to $230/t) Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($350 to $400/t) Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($80 to $130/t) Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($160 to $230/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.