Hay Report – 9 August 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

• Light rain fell over the weekend in the Atherton Tablelands. Since then, the threat of rain has loomed over the region. 
• The threat of rain has held of activity for most of the week however with clear weather forecast farmers are preparing to make hay. 
• Demand for hay is strong coming from both within and outside the region. Hay supplies are limited and are moving fast. Most 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

• Light rain fell on Saturday with Toowoomba recording 3mm of rainfall. This was not enough to wet the soil. 
• The Darling Downs is brown with no grass growth. Very crops were sown this season and those that have been sown are struggling. 
• Demand for hay while strong, 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. 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 are 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

• Patches of drizzle have fallen over the north coast of NSW this week.
• Farmers have been busy this week making silage. Most of this is oats. 
• Demand in north coast NSW continues is strong and feed is moving fast. There is a lot of hay and silage 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 $130 – $160/bale on farm.
• 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 heavy frosts also reported in the region.
• Crops that have germinated are struggling in the region. Some crops that were meant for grain will be made into hay if there is rainfall in the next couple of weeks. If there is no rainfall, many will put livestock onto their crops. 
• Demand is steady in central west NSW. 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.
• Straw prices have firmed 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: +15 ($350 to $400/t). Prices have firmed 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

• It was a dry week in Bega with no rainfall recorded in the region. Frosts were also reported.
• Bega is brown and there is no grass growth on dryland pastures. 
• 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, lucerne and straw prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +40 ($550 to $600/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Lucerne hay: +100 ($650 to $700/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Straw: +100 ($300 to $350/t). Prices have firmed 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 dry week in the Goulburn Valley with no rainfall recorded in the region.   
• Grass is still growing in the region however is struggling to come back. Crops are looking really good and it is looking to be a good season if the region receives some rainfall before the weather starts to warm. 
• 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

• Rain fell in the south of Gippsland however the east remains dry.
• The grass is slowly growing in the south of the region. Some farmers are busy spreading urea in anticipation for more rain.
• 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. 
• No price changes have been noted 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. 
• Southwest Victoria is green and the grass continues to grow. Farmers in the region are hand feeding less and next seasons crops are looking good. 
• 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. 
• No price changes have been noted this week. 
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($400 to $440/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($550 to $650/t). Prices remain steady 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

• Patches of drizzle fell over southeast South Australia this week, however this was not widespread.
• The grass has started to get going in the region. Farmers are busy spreading nitrogen in anticipation for rain. 
• 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.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($400 to $450/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($550 to $600/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 was a dry week in central South Australia with no rainfall recorded in the region. Rainfall is forecast for the region.
• Crops in the region are looking really healthy. There are some early oats that are 75cm high in the region. While the crops are looking healthy there is no subsoil moisture and if the region does not experience some rainfall the crops will start going backwards. 
• Demand in central South Australia is 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. Many in the region are only serviing existing customers. There is a lot of hay moving out of the region 
• Cereal, lucerne and straw prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +50 ($440 to $500/t). Cereal hay prices have firmed this week.
• Lucerne hay: +50 ($570 to $650/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Straw: +10 ($220 to $250/t). Straw 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 Western Australia 

• Patchy rain fell over southwest Western Australia this week with Bridgetown recording 27mm of rainfall and Busselton 13mm.
• Crops are currently 2 – 3 weeks behind a normal season. Not a lot of canola was sown this season and what has been sown is patchy and struggling in parts of the region. 
• Demand is slow 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

• Rain fell in northwest Tasmania this week with Marrawah recording 18mm and Smithton 14mm. 
• Next seasons crops are currently looking healthy. The grass is still growing, albeit slowly.
• 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.