Hay Report – 16 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. 
• 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 are looking promising for most of the region. Many farmers are anticipating a good hay season ahead. 
• 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. While crops are behind they are currently looking to provide a 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

• The sun has been shining in the Atherton Tablelands with no rainfall recorded this week. 
• Farmers have been busy making hay this week. There is a lot more hay to be made if the fine weather continues. 
• 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

• It was a dry week in the Darling Downs with no rainfall recorded. Frosts and strong winds were also reported. 
• It is dry in the Darling Downs with frosts and strong winds exacerbating the situation. There may be some failed crops turned into hay in the coming weeks. 
• 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. 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

• The sun has been shining in north coast NSW with only a light drizzle recorded in some parts of the region. 
• Farmers have been busy this week making silage. Oats, pasture and frosted sugar cane are being made into silage.
• Demand in north coast NSW 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 oat and pasture silage available in the regions for $130 – $160/bale on farm.
• It has been reported there is frosted sugar case silage available in the region from $100/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

• Patchy rain fell in central west NSW this week with Forbes recording 13mm, Orange 29mm, Cowra 14mm and Dubbo 7mm. Light frosts were also reported.
• Farmers continue to bale sorghum stubble in the region. Next seasons crops are struggling and are in need of some decent rainfall. 
• Demand continues to ease 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.
• 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 ($350 to $400/t). Prices remain steady 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 only a light drizzle recorded on Saturday. Strong winds were also reported which further dried the soil. 
• Bega is dry and in need of some rainfall. There is no growth on dryland pastures and farmers are heavily relying on feed. 
• Demand is increasing in Bega and feed supplies are limited. Hay is difficult to source, and farmers are looking to source alternatives such as pellets. 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.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($550 to $600/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($650 to $700/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($300 to $350/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

• Rain fell in the Goulburn Valley this week with Shepparton recording 18mm of rainfall, Echuca 18mm, Kyabram 19mm, Benalla 21mm and Yarrawonga 11mm. Light frosts were also reported.
• The Goulburn Valley is green and crops are looking very good. It is anticipated that if things continue as they are some cereal crops may produce 7t/ha. Early silage will start early next week. The main season will begin in 3-4 weeks.
• Demand has eased in the region and many farmers in the region are releasing more feed. Gassed rice straw and mouldy corn stubble are being carted into the region from the Riverina. There is a lot of hay moving from 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 $250/t on farm.
• Cereal, lucerne, pasture and straw prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: -65 ($300 to $420/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Lucerne hay: -140 ($450 to $520/t). Prices have eased this week
• Straw: -20 ($150 to $220/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Pasture hay: -150 ($270 to $330/t). Prices have eased 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 in Gippsland this week with Yarram recording 41mm of rainfall, Yanakie 40mm, Bairnsdale 8mm, Sale 18mm and Orbost 13mm. 
• Things are starting to look green in Gippsland. For some farmers in the region the grass is starting to get ahead. Crops that have been sown are in need of more rain but are looking okay and will produce some hay. 
• Demand has eased in Gippsland. Supply of hay 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. 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

• It was a wet week in southwest Victoria with Warrnambool recording 46mm of rainfall and Colac 37mm. Strong winds were also reported. 
• Crops are looking very good with some already showing signs of maturity. Grass in the region is ahead of the cows and some are spreading urea in anticipation for more rain coming this weekend. 
• Demand has eased in the region and there is more hay being released onto the market. 
• Cereal, lucerne and pasture prices have eased this week. 
• Cereal hay: -60 ($300 to $420/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Lucerne hay: -115 ($450 to $520/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($190 to $200/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: -10 ($350 to $400/t). Prices have eased 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 in southeast South Australia this week with Naracoorte recording 24mm of rainfall, Padthaway 30mm and Keith 47mm. Light frosts were also reported in parts of the region. 
• Southeast South Australia is looking green. The grass is growing, and next seasons crops are looking good. 
• 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

• Patchy rain fell in central South Australia this week with Kadina recording 13mm of rainfall and Clare recording 36mm. Frosts were also reported in the region. 
• The rain has been very beneficial to the region. Crops are starting to take off, canola is starting to flower, and it is anticipated that in a couple of weeks early sown crops will start pushing a head.  
• Demand has eased in central South Australia. 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: +/-0 ($440 to $500/t). Cereal hay prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($570 to $650/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($220 to $250/t). Straw 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 in southwest Western Australia with Busselton recording 16mm of rainfall and Bridgetown recording 9mm. 
• While the region is green there is not a lot of feed around. With the late rain pastures have yet to get away. 
• 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 continues to fall in northwest Tasmania with Marrawah recording 51mm of rainfall and Smithton 33mm.
• It has been very cold and wet in northwest Tasmania. There is a lot of water lying in paddocks and water logging occurring. Grass is growing very slowly in the region.
• 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.
• Cereal and pasture hay prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +25 ($220 to $260/t) Prices have firmed 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: +30 ($200 to $250/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. We recommend feed testing and viewing of fodder before purchase to be sure of the quality of feed.