Hay Report – 13 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.
• There are some failed crops being made into hay in the region but these a few. 
• 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 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. 
• For much of southern Australia it is looking to be a good season. Rainfall has been patchy and there are parts of the region that are not expecting a good season. 
• 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. 
• New season hay is starting to be made in southern Australia.
• 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

• The sun continues to shine in the Atherton Tablelands with no rainfall recorded this week. 
• There is still some hay making happening in the region but there is not much hay left to be made. Frosts have burnt the tops of some of the crops which may affect another cut. If farmers want another cut they will need to irrigate. 
• 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.  
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($360 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

• The Darling is very Dry. There has been no rainfall in the region for over a month. 
• There are some crops being turned into hay in the far west of the region but there is very little of this. There is no green growth in the region. 
• Demand for hay is starting to pick up in the Darling Downs. 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. 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 prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: -75 ($400 to $500/t). Prices have eased 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

• The sun has been shining this week in north coast NSW with no rainfall recorded.
• Farmers have been busy making hay and silage this week. While the weather has been permitting of hay making the region is in need of some rainfall. It is starting to get dry and the grass has stopped growing. 
• 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. 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: -25 ($400 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

• Scattered rain fell on Saturday with Forbes recording 2mm of rainfall, Orange 12mm, Cowra 3mm and Dubbo none. Frosts were also reported in parts of the region this week. 
• Central west NSW is brown and there is no grass growth. There are some failed crops that are having stock put on them as they are not long enough to make hay. 
• Enquiry is starting to increase in central west NSW. 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 prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: -110 ($380 to $450/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($600 to $700/t). Prices remain steady 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

• Bits of drizzle have fallen over Bega this week but no substantial rainfall has been recorded. 
• Farmers with irrigation water are irrigating and these grasses are going well. 
• Demand is strong 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: -110 ($380 to $450/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

• Patchy rain fell in the Goulburn Valley this week with Shepparton recording 10mm of rainfall, Echuca 3mm, Kyabram 9mm, Benalla 11mm and Yarrawonga 9mm. Heavy frosts were also reported.
• Crops are not looking as promising as they once were in the Goulburn Valley and the frost this week may have caused some damage. Many farmers are busy making silage and it is anticipated that some farmers will start making hay next week. The little bit of rain crops received should help them push a head and be ready for hay making. 
• Demand is high in the Goulburn Valley region. Many farmers are purchasing standing crops. 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 $400/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($500 to $520/t). Prices remain steady this week
• Straw: +/-0 ($120 to $150/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

• Scattered rain fell in Gippsland this week with Yarram recording 36mm of rainfall, Yanakie 24mm, Bairnsdale 15mm, Sale 22mm and Orbost 19mm. 
• South Gippsland is very wet with some crops yellowing. East Gippsland remains dry with very little growth. The south of the region is looking to have a good season making pasture hay and silage. It is anticipated that some will start making silage in 1 – 2 weeks. 
• Demand is strong in Gippsland. It is postulated that many farmers are making sure they have themselves covered for another dry period. 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: -25 ($350 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 fell on Monday in southwest Victoria with Warrnambool recording 9mm of rainfall and Colac 6mm.
• Things are looking good in southwest Victoria. It is a bit wet but this is not causing any problems. The grass is ahead of the cows with some starting to lock up paddocks for silage. Next seasons crops are currently looking really good and it is expected to be a good season ahead. 
• Demand remains quiet in southwest Victoria however there is a bit of enquiry coming from outside the region. There is more last season hay being released onto the market. 
• Cereal hay prices have eased this week. 
• Cereal hay: -35 ($300 to $350/t). Cereal hay prices have eased 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 continues to fall in southeast South Australia this week with Naracoorte recording 16mm of rainfall, Padthaway 19mm, Keith 18mm and Mount Gambier 22mm. the weather has also started to warm in the region. 
• The season is coming along nicely in southeast South Australia. Things are growing nicely and with the warmer weather coming the grass has started to get going. 
• Demand remains quiet in the region. There is a little more hay coming onto the market however, hay supplies remain limited. 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

• Rainfall was patchy this week in central South Australia with Clare recording 10mm of rainfall while Kadina only recorded a light drizzle. Light frosts were also reported in parts of the region. 
• Crops are really going backwards in the region and with a warm weekend forecast some farmers have decided to cut for hay this week to salvage these crops. More crops will be cut for hay next week. A lot of crops planted for grain will not make grain this season and will be made into hay instead. 
• Demand is strong in central South Australia. There is more last season hay coming onto the market with many trying to clear out their sheds before the start of next season. 
• Cereal hay prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: -45 ($400 to $450/t). Prices have eased 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 

• Little btis of drizzle fell over the region this week but no substantial rainfall was recorded. Light frosts were reported in parts of the region and unusually hot days were also reported this week. 
• Southwest Western Australia is dry and crops are not looking promising. Some parts of Western Australia will start cutting hay in the next 1 -2 weeks. With very little rain forecast for the months ahead it is anticipated that many crops due for a cut in October may not make it. 
• Demand is strong 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. Hay supplies moved fast and there is limited supply left.
• 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 a wet week in northwest Tasmania with Smithton recording 48mm and Marrawah recording 80mm. Light frosts were also reported. 
• There is water lying in paddocks after the rain this week. The region is looking green and the grass continues to grow. 
• Demand has eased 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.