Hay Report – 20 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

• Last seasons hay is limited in supply and there is limited carryover from previous years. 
• 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. 
• Frosts in the region have damaged some crops and there will be frost affected crops sown for grain turned into hay this season. 
• 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 last season and this is reflected in the high price for feed in the region.  
• New season hay is being made 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 was another sunny, dry week in the Atherton Tablelands with no rainfall recorded. Frosts were also reported in the region. 
• There is still a bit of hay and silage being made in the region. Frosts may have damaged crops 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: +10 ($380 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

• It was another dry week in the Darling Downs with no rainfall recorded in the region. 
• There are still some crops being turned into hay but there is not much this and yields are poor. The region is dry and there is no grass growth.
• Demand for hay is strong in the Darling Downs. Hay supplies are limited in the region with a lot of hay being carted into the region. Sugar cane tops and cereal hay are 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.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($400 to $500/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

• It was a warm sunny week in north coast NSW with no rainfall recorded. 
• Farmers are busy making hay and silage this week. 
• 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. 
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($400 to $500/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 on Tuesday with Dubbo recording 7mm of rainfall, Forbes 3mm, Cowra 6mm and Orange 22mm. 
• There are some failed grain crops being turned into hay this week. The region is brown and in need of some rainfall. 
• Enquiry is steady 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: -15 ($350 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

• Light rain fell on Tuesday in Bega with the region recording 4mm of rainfall. Light frosts were also reported.
• Farmers with irrigation water are irrigating and these grasses are going well. 
• Demand is steady 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.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($380 to $450/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

• Light rain fell in the Goulburn Valley this week with Shepparton recording 4mm of rainfall, Echuca 4mm, Kyabram 5mm, Benalla 5mm and Yarrawonga 2mm. Light frosts were also reported in parts of the region.
• The Goulburn Valley is dry and in need of some rain. Crops are stressed and are going backwards. There is a lot of silage being made in the area and hay will start being cut this weekend. 
• Demand is steady 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

• Rain fell on Monday in Gippsland with Bairnsdale recording 12mm of rainfall, Orbost 15mm, Sale 8mm, Wonthaggi 18mm, Yarram 8mm and Yanakie 13mm. Light frosts were also reported in parts of the region. 
• Pastures in the south of the region are starting to really get going. Some have started to make early silage this week. The east of the region remains dry with little grass growth. 
• Demand is steady 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.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($350 to $450/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

• Monday brought rain to southwest Victoria with Warrnambool recording 17mm of rainfall and Colac recording 15mm. 
• Crops are looking good in western Victoria and the region is wet and green 
• 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. 
• It has been reported there is limited vetch available in the region from $350/t on farm. 
• No price changes have been noted this week. 
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($300 to $350/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

• Patchy rain fell on Monday in southeast South Australia with Keith recording 3mm of rainfall, Mount Gambier 6mm and both Naracoorte and Padthaway recording 1mm. Frosts were also reported in the region. 
• The grass is growing slowly in the region. As the weather has been cool the grass has not yet got going in the region. Crops are looking good at the moment but it is too early to tell what the season will bring. 
• 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

• Light patchy rain fell in central South Australia this week with some parts of the regon missing out. Heavy frosts were also reported. 
• There are some farmers busy making hay this week. Frost damage in the region is severe. There are lentil crops that have been frost affected that are being turned into hay. The light rain this week has helped the crops that received it. Rain is forecast for Friday and many farmers are waiting to see what this brings before deciding what to do with their crops.  
• 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 but there is not much of this. 
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($400 to $450/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($570 to $650/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($220 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.

Southwest Western Australia 

• Light rain fell in parts of the region this week with Bridgetown recording with Bridgetown and Bussleton both recording 2mm of rainfall. 
• Farmers have been busy cutting and baling this week. With some rain forecast for the weekend farmers are busy trying to get what is on the ground in a bale. After this weather it is postulated that hay making will get into full swing. 
• 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

• Rain continues to fall in northwest Tasmania with Smithton and Marrawah recording 12mm of rainfall. Frosts were also reported in parts of the region.  
• With the longer days and warmer weather the grass has started to grow for some in the region however there is still little green feed in the region. 
• 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.