Hay Report – 6 September 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. 
• Parts of the region have experienced a tough finish and crops in these regions are struggling. It is not yet known what will happen with these 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^stJanuary 2018. For more information and to apply please visit https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate-and-emergencies/droughthub

Western Australia – Summary

• Crops are currently 2-3 weeks behind and yields are looking below an average season.
• There was less canola sown this season due to the late autumn break and what has been sown is patchy. 
• A lot of canola will not have the yields so will be made into hay.
• 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

• It has been another sunny week in the Atherton Tablelands. Frosts and strong were reported in the region. 
• Farmers are busy making hay this week. Frosts and strong winds may affect paddocks coming back. 
• 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.  
• Pasture hay prices have firmed this week.
• Pasture hay: +15 ($360 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

• With another dry week in the Darling Downs the region remains brown. Strong winds have also been reported.
• The Darling Downs is in need of some rainfall. There are some failed wheaten crops east of Goondiwindi being baled. There are not many more crops in the region that will make hay or grain. 
• Demand for hay remains 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.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($450 to $600/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($700 to $800/t). Prices remain steady tthis week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($250 to $350/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

• Patchy rain fell over north coast NSW on Friday with coastal hugging regions such as Coffs Harbour recording 21mm and areas such as Lismore recording none.
• Some farmers were hoping to make hay late last week but with the threat of rain had to make silage. As the weather warms and the crops mature farmers are hoping they will be able to make hay.
• 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. 
• Cereal hay prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: -50 ($450 to $500/t). Prices have eased 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 another dry week in central west NSW with no rainfall recorded. 
• Things have really dried off in central west NSW. A lot of frosted canola crops do not have enough bulk to make hay and stock are being put on these paddocks. Most canola crops that will make hay are for personal use. Hay being made in the region will come from irrigated parts of the region, not much else hay will be made this season. 
• 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.
• Lucerne prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: -/-0 ($450 to $600/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: -50 ($600 to $700/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Straw: -/-0 ($300 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

• Bega experienced a couple of drizzly days this week, however no substantial rainfall was recorded.
• Crops and pastures are struggling in the prevailing dry conditions. 
• Demand has picked up in Bega, Many farmers have run out of silage and need to purchase hay. Feed supplies are limited in Bega and hay is difficult to source. Hay is being carted into the region from Victoria and South Australia. The prices quoted are for hay and straw to be carted into the region.
• Cereal hay prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: -50 ($500 to $550/t). Prices have eased 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

• Little bits of drizzle fell throughout the Goulburn Valley this week, but no substantial rainfall was recorded. There is rain forecast for the weekend. 
• The region has res really dried out and crops are going backwards. There is a lot of bulk to crops but they need rain to push a head. Farmers are waiting to see if the rain comes this weekend to assess their options. Currently there is a lot of silage being made in the region. 
• Demand is quiet in the region. 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.
• Price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: -10 ($300 to $400/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Lucerne hay: +25 ($500 to $520/t). Prices have firmed this week
• Straw: -50 ($120 to $150/t). Prices have eased 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

• Rain fell on Monday in Gippsland with areas such as Sale, Orbost, Wonthaggi, Yarram and Yanakie, recording 3-4mm of rainfall. Frosts were also reported in the region.
• South Gippsland is wet and green however the east remains dry. Some farmers are using irrigation water however levels are only at 95%. The south is looking to have a good season however it looks like there will not be much feed produced in the ease of the region. 
• Demand has picked up 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. 
• It has been reported that there is canola being delivered to the area from 400/t.
• Cereal hay prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: -100 ($400 to $450/t). Prices have eased 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 continues to fall in southwest Victoria with recording 10mm of rainfall and Colac 4mm.
• Southwest Victoria is very wet. Crops are looking good and healthy and paddocks are growing nicely. 
• Demand remains quiet in southwest Victoria. There is more hay being released onto the market. 
• 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 ($190 to $200/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($350 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 in southeast South Australia this week with Naracoorte recording 9mm of rainfall, Padthaway 7mm, Keith 6mm and Mount Gambier 8mm.
• Things are looking good in southeast South Australia. The longer, warmer days have really helped get crops going. At the moment things are looking to be an average season. 
• Demand remains quiet in the region. There is a little more hay coming onto the market however, hay supplies remain limited. Most hay moving is contractual. No price changes have been noted this week.
• There are no price changes noted
• 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 on Sunday in central South Australia with Kadina recording 9mm of rainfall and Clare recording none. . 
• Crops in the region are struggling and looking poor after the frost a couple of weeks ago. Many think that there is stem frost damage but it is too hard to tell yet. Crops have browned and the paddocks lacks sub-soil moisture. Crops are in need of substantial rainfall.
• Demand remains 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 

• It was a wet week in southwest Western Australia with Bridgetown recording 72mm of rainfall and Busselton 50mm.
• Yields are starting to firm and it is looking to be a below average season across Western Australia. Some parts of the region that have had more rain are looking more to an average season, but for the majority it is looking below average. Crops are behind and coming into early cuts, some crops may not have enough bulk to them to cut. For many canola will not have the yields and will be made into hay instead.
• Demand has picked up in the region with many farmers having ran out of feed. 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 over northwest Tasmania with Smithton recording 10mm and Marrawah recording 17mm. Light frosts were also reported. 
• Farmers are busy fertilising as there are heavy rains forecast for the region. 
• Demand has eased a little in Tasmania. 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.