Hay Report – 4 October 2019

National Summary

• Unseasonably warm weather arrived this week and is forecast to persist through the weekend for much of the nation. The Darling Downs, north coast NSW, central west NSW, Bega, the Goulburn Valley, Gippsland and central west South Australia will all experience unseasonably warm weather this week. 
• This warm weather will be favourable for those making hay and silage however, it will also exacerbate the dry conditions in some regions. In the Goulburn Valley and central west NSW, it may also see more crops being cut early.
• There is a bit of hay on the ground at the moment and we are starting to see new season hay coming onto the market in central west South Australia and central west NSW. A lot of the hay on the market in central west NSW and central west South Australia was meant for grain and, is either drught, or frost affected. It is not yet known what this hot weather will do for grain crops in central west South Australia. 
• There is a lot of hay being transported around the country of varying quality. We caution buyers and recommend feed-testing and viewing fodder before purchasing to be sure of quality of the feed.

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 conditions, 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^st January 2018. For more information and to apply please visit https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate-and-emergencies/droughthub

Southern Australia – Summary

• Last season's hay is limited in supply and there is limited carryover from previous years.
• 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 some these crops.
• Some parts of the region that have experienced a tough finish have cut crops early.
• Frosts in the region have damaged some crops and there will be frost affected crops sown for grain turned into hay this season.
• There are some parts in the south of the region that are looking to have a good season
• New season hay is starting to be made in southern Australia and is starting to come on to the market.
• 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^st January 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.
• 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.
• Yields are down across the state in Western Australia this season.
• 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 sunny weather was interrupted mid-this week by threat of rain, however only little bits of drizzle have fallen.
• There is still a little bit of hay to be made once the weather clears again. Paddocks are starting to come 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.  
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($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

• Patchy storms went through the Darling Downs with rainfall largely occurring in western parts of the region. For many these storms only provided a light shower. Hot weather is forecast for the weekend.
• The hot weather this weekend will dry soil moisture received from the storms earlier this week. There is still some hay being made from failed crops in the west of the region.
• 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.
• Cereal hay prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: -25 ($400 to $450/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

• Scattered rain fell on Tuesday in north coast NSW with Coffs Harbour recording about 17mm of rainfall, Grafton 8mm while Lismore received only a drizzle. Hot weather is forecast for the weekend.
• Farmers are busy this week making hay. The hot weather will be beneficial for hay making but the region is drying out and pastures are browning.
• 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. With the dry conditions local demand is strong and hay supplies are limited. 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.
• It has been reported that there is some vetch available in the region from $600/t on farm.
• Cereal hay prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: -5 ($420 to $470/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^st January 2018. For more information and to apply please visit https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate-and-emergencies/droughthub

Central West NSW

• Central west NSW remains dry with no rainfall recorded this week. Light frosts were also reported in parts of the region.  Hot weather is forecast for later in the week.
• Wells are dry in the region and many farmers out of water. Failed cereal and canola crops continue to be cut for hay and silage.
• There is a strong demand for hay in central west NSW. There is limited supply available in the region. Hay is being sourced from outside central west NSW, largely coming from Victoria and South Australia. Cereal hay is being made in the region and is on the market. 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.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($350 to $450/t). Prices remain steady 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

• No rainfall was recorded in Bega this week. Unseasonably warm weather is forecast for late in the week.
• Bega is dry and in need of some rain. While grass continues to grow on irrigated pastures, there is no growth on dryland.
• Demand is strong in Bega as 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 NSW, 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: -5 ($380 to $440/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

• It was a dry week in the Goulburn Valley with no rainfall recorded this week. Hot temperatures are expected to fall on Friday and persist over the weekend.
• There is still a lot of silage being made in the Goulburn Valley. Hay continues to be cut as the dry conditions prevail and crops continue to go backwards.
• New season hay has yet to hit to the market however there are some farmers locking in prices off the back of the baler. Demand is steady in the region and mostly coming from interstate. There is high enquiry for new season hay. 
• 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

• Patchy rain fell on Saturday in Gippsland with Bairnsdale and Orbost recording about 2mm of rainfall, Yarram 5mm, Yanakie 6mm and Sale only a drizzle. Warmer weather is forecast for the weekend.
• Farmers in the south of the region are busy making silage. It is looking to be a good season for south Gippsland. The east remains dry.
• 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

• Light rain fell in southwest Victoria on Saturday with both Colac and Warrnambool recording about 2mm.
• It’s still a bit wet in southwest Victoria. The region is green; farmers are busy making silage.
• 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

• The weather has started to warm in southeast South Australia; however, parts of the region still experienced some light frosts this week. There was no rainfall recorded this week.
• There are some frost damaged crops that have been baled in the north of the region such as Lameroo and Pinnaroo. In this part of the region, farmers are looking to start the hay season in the coming weeks. Crops in both the north and south of the region are looking good. Crops in the south still are a while off a cut.
• Demand remains quiet in the region and supply of last season hay is limited. There is some enquiry for new season hay with some trying to lock in prices off the back of the baler. 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

• It was a hot week in central South Australia with high temperatures forecast to persist over the weekend. No rainfall has been recorded in the region this week.
• Crops are struggling in the region and are going backwards in the hot weather. It is unknown what this weekend will bring for grain crops. There is a lot of hay being cut in the region to salvage frosted crops and crops that are declining. Hay has been baled in the region.
• Demand is steady in the region. New season cereal hay has started to come onto the market however there is not a lot yet available on the market. There is limited supply of last season hay on the market.
• Cereal hay prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: -170 ($210 to $300/t). Prices have eased 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

• There is a rain event forecast for southwest Western Australia late this week.
• There is a lot of hay on the ground in Western Australia, however not much new season hay is a bale. There are many waiting for the forecast rain before cutting.
• 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. New season hay has started to come onto the market but there is not mcch of this on the market yet. 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

• Light patchy rain fell in northwest Tasmania this week.
• The region is looking green and with the longer days and warmer weather the grass is growing.
• 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.