Hay Report – 30 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. 
• With few crops sown and prevailing dry condtions, there will be limited hay made this season for parts of the region.
• 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. 
• 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 this week. Parts of the region experienced some light drizzle but for most it has been a dry week. A heavy frost was also reported last Thursday. 
• Farmers are busy this week making hay. There is a lot of hay on the ground to be baled. 
• Demand for hay remains strong in the Atherton Tablelands 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: +15 ($330 to $400/t). Prices have firmed 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 in the Darling Downs on Wednesday with Toowoomba recording 2mm of rainfall.
• There are very few crops in the Darling Downs and any crops that have been sown and have germinated are struggling. 
• Demand for hay is quiet 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. Sugar cane tops moving into the region from the Bundaberg/MacKay region, most of this is already committed. There are some failed cereal crops in Emerald being turned into hay and carted into the region. Farmers in the region are sourcing feed from throughout the nation. 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.
• Cereal hay and straw prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: -110 ($450 to $600/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($700 to $800/t). Prices remain steady tthis week.
• Straw: -115 ($250 to $350/t). Prices have eased 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

• It was another sunny week for north coast NSW with no rainfall recorded for the majority of the region. Some of the coastal fringes of the region such as Coffs Harbour, experienced light rainfall on Wednesday. 
• Farmers are busy this week making cereal and sugar cane silage. There is not much more cereal left to be made but there is still more sugar cane to be made.
• 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 cereal silage available in the regions from $150/bale
• 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

• It was a dry week in central west NSW with no rainfall recorded. Light frosts were also reported in the region. 
• There are not a lot of crops in the region that will make hay. Cereal crops are too short for hay and many farmers are hoping for a rain so that it will push ahead for grain. There are some frosted canola crops that will be made into hay.
• Demand is quiet 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.
• Cereal hay and straw prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: -75 ($450 to $600/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($650 to $750/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: -25 ($300 to $400/t). Prices have eased 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 has been over a month since Bega had rainfall. Frosts were reported this week in the region. 
• There is no grass growth on dryland pastures. Irrigated pastures are growing. 
• Demand is quiet in Bega, it is postulated farmers are waiting for next seasons supply to come onto the maket before purchasing feed. Feed supplies are limited in Bega and hay is difficult to source. 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

• No rain fell in the Goulburn Valley this week, light frosts were reported.
• There are parts of the region that are getting really dry and in need of some rain. Crops in these parts of the region are starting to go backwards. Water prices are inhibiting a lot of farmers from irrigating their crops and many may have to make silage instead of hay this season. There are some farmers already making silage in the region. Near Shepparton crops are looking better and are holding on.
• Demand is quiet in the region and many farmers 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.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($300 to $420/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($450 to $520/t). Prices remain steady this week
• Straw: +/-0 ($150 to $220/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($270 to $330/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

• Light rain fell in the South of the region this week while east Gippsland only received little bits of drizzle. Light frosts were also reported in the region. 
• South Gippsland is wet and things are looking good. It is looking to be a good season for pasture hay in the south of the region. The east remains dry and crops are not looking as good here.
• Demand is quiet in Gippsland. Supply of hay is limited with feed being sourced from outside the region. 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: +/-0 ($550 to $650/t). Prices remain steady 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 8mm of rainfall and Colac 4mm. 
• Southwest Victoria is wet. Crops are getting away and grass is growing in the region.
• 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

• Patchy rain fell over southeat South Australia late this week and there is more rain forecast for parts of the region.
• Crops were in need of some rain and after Wednesday’s rain event and some sunshine crops should be looking good. Crops have really starting to get going however pasture in the region is not looking good as pasture growth remains slow. 
• Demand is quiet in the region and there is a little more hay coming onto the market however, hay supplies remain limited. Most hay moving is contractual. 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

• No rain fell in central South Australia this week, frosts were also reported in parts of the region. 
• Crops are hanging in there. While for many crops are looking better than last season they are in need of a drink. There is fear that the frosts may have damaged some cereal crops.
• Demand is quiet in central South Australia; it is postulated that farmers are waiting for new season hay to come onto the market. There is more hay coming onto the market with many trying to clear out their sheds before the start of next season. Many in the region are only serviing existing customers. 
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($440 to $500/t). 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 last Friday with Bridgetown recording 12mm of rainfall and Bussleton 5mm. 
• Despite being behind, crops are looking healthy in 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

• It was another wet week in northwest Tasmania with Smithon recording 17mm of rainfall and Marrawah 26mm. Light frosts were also reported in parts of the region. 
• Grass is growing slowly in northwest Tasmania. It is very wet in the region and there is a lot of water lying in 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 ($220 to $260/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 ($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. We recommend feed testing and viewing of fodder before purchase to be sure of the quality of feed.