National Summary
- More new season hay came onto the market this week. Hay is being made in the Atherton Tablelands, the Darling Downs, central west NSW, north coast NSW, southeast South Australia (the north of the region), central South Australia, and southwest Western Australia.
- The Goulburn Valley is about a week off making hay. With a lot of frost damaged crops in southern NSW being turned into hay, many farmers in the Goulburn Valley who were going to cut for hay may now try and harvest grain instead. Silage is being made in south Gippsland and southwest Victoria.
- With new season hay coming onto the market we are seeing hay prices ease. There is a lot of hay on the ground and parts of the nation a lot of this hay is committed and moving fast.
- Cereal hay prices have eased this week in Bega, Gippsland, southwest Victoria, central South Australia, and southeast South Australia. Price changes have also been noted in the Atherton Tablelands, the Darling Downs. And northwest Tasmania.
- 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 is being 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 1st January 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.
- 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 1st 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 Westeran 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 weather has been hot and dry in the Atherton Tablelands.
- Farmers have been busy this week making hay.
- 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 this week.
- Pasture hay: +60 ($440 to $460/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 has been a hot, dry week in the Darling Downs with no rainfall recorded. Strong winds have also been reported in the region.
- The Darling Downs in dry and brown. There continues to be a little bit of hay made in the west of the region.
- Demand for hay has eased 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. Lucerne, straw and pasture hay prices are for hay to be carted into the region.
- It has been reported that there are some sugar cane tops available in the region from $300/t delivered locally.
- It has been reported that vetch is being delivred to the region from $450-550/t.
- Lucerne hay prices have eased this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($400 to $450/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: -100 ($600 to $700/t). Prices have eased 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 hot dry week in north coast NSW; strong winds were also reported. There is some rain forecast for late in the week.
- There is a lot of hay and silage being made in the region with farmers trying to get cut crops in a bale before the forecast rain. The region is dry and there are fires burning in parts of the region.
- 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.
- No price changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($420 to $470/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 1st January 2018. For more information and to apply please visit https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate-and-emergencies/droughthub
Central West NSW
- There was no rainfall recorded in central west NSW this week. Hot temperatures and strong winds were reported in the region.
- Hay continues to be made in some parts of the region but there is not much of this. There are oat, wheat, and lucerne crops that stock are being put on as they will not make hay.
- Demand for hay has eased in central west NSW; it is postulated that many are waiting for more new season hay to come onto the market. There is limited supply available in the region with hay being sourced from outside the region; 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.
- It has been reported that there is vetch being delivered to the region fro $400-450/t.
- 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
- Tuesday and Wednesday brought rain to Bega after a hot and windy weekend. The region recorded about 10mm of rainfall.
- Bega is dry with no pasture growth in the region.
- Demand is strong in Bega as many farmers have run out of silage and need to purchase hay. Feed supplies are limited in Bega. 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.
- It has been reported that canola is being delivered to the region from $350-400/t.
- It has been reported that vetch is being delivered to the region from $430-480/t.
- Cereal hay prices have eased this week.
- Cereal hay: -35 ($350 to $400/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
- Light patchy rain fell in the Goulburn Valley this week.
- There is a lot of hay on the ground waiting to be baled but the weather this week has held of hay making. Baling should begin later this week. Some farmers in the region who have not cut may hold off and try for grain.
- New season hay has yet to hit to the market however there are some farmers locking in prices off the back of the baler. A lot of hay on the ground and standing crops are already committed. 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
- Rain fell this week in Gippsland, but it was patchy
- Silage continues to be made in the south but for some it is still too wet. East Gippsland is dry and there will be very little feed produced in this part of the region.
- Demand is quiet in Gippsland. Many farmers in the region are building up their reserves and making feed for themselves and not to sell. Hay prices quoted are for hay sourced from outside the region.
- It has been reported that there is vetch being delivered to the area from $400 – 420/t.
- Cereal hay prices have eased this week.
- Cereal hay: -50 ($330 to $370/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 in southwest Victoria this week with Warrnambool recording about 19mm of rainfall and Colac 15mm.
- The region is green and looking to have a good season. Some have started silage in the region and yields appear to be good at present. North of the region in the Wimmera, hay making is underway.
- 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. Hay prices quoted are from local and surrounding regions such as the Wimmera.
- It has been reported that vetch is being delivered to the region from $300-350t.
- Cereal hay prices have eased this week.
- Cereal hay: -50 ($250 to $300/t). 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 fell on Tuesday in southeast South Australia with Keith and Naracoorte recording about 4mm of rainfall, Mount Gambier 6mm, Lameroo 2mm, and Padthaway 3mm.
- There is a bit of silage and hay being made in the north of the region such as in Lameroo and Pinnarroo. More will start being made next week. Pasture growth in the south of the region is slow.
- Demand remains quiet in the region and supply of last season hay is limited. New season supply has started to come onto the market from the north of the region. There is enquiry with farmers trying to lock in prices off the back of the baler.
- Cereal hay prices have eased
- Cereal hay: -170 ($240 to $270/t). Prices have eased 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
- After a hot weekend patchy rain feel on Monday and Tuesday in central south Australia with Kadina recording about 3mm of rainfall and Clare recording 8mm.
- Hay season is under full swing in central Sout Australia. There are a lot of crops that were not destined to be hay, including crops such as legumes, that have been cut and will be made into hay due to frost, or moisture loss.
- Demand is steady in the region. New season cereal hay has started to flood the market. There is limited supply of last season hay on the market.
- Cereal hay prices have eased this week.
- Cereal hay: -45 ($170 to $250/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
- Patchy rain fell over Friday and Saturday in southwest Western Australia with Bussleton recording about 34mm of rainfall and Bridgetown 10mm.
- Hay baling has started in Western Australia. It is looking that yields could be as low as 50%.
- 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
- Patchy rain fell in northwest Tasmania with Smithton recording about 6mm of rainfall and Marrawah recording 15mm.
- The grass is starting to get ahead of the cows. Pastures are being locked up for silage; some farmers will start making silage next week.
- Demand has eased in Tasmania. Parts of the state are very dry and in need of feed. There is limited hay supplies left in the state. There is a lucerne shortage in Tasmania with many finding this difficult to source. Cereal hay and lucerne is being sourced outside northwest Tasmania.
- Pasture hay prices have eased 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: -30 ($170 to $220/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. We recommend feed testing and viewing of fodder before purchase to be sure of the quality of feed.