Hay Report – 25 October 2019

National Summary

• Hay is being made all across the country. The season is drawing to a close in the Darling Downs and is central west NSW while in the Goulburn Valley, central South Australia, and southwest Western Australia, hay season is in full swing. The season is just starting in the Goulburn Valley, southwest Victoria, southeast South Australia and Tasmania.
• For parts of the country yields are firming. With prevailing dry conditions in the Darling Downs and central west NSW yields in these regions are poor. For parts of the Goulburn Valley and central South Australia yields have been good, while in Western Australia yields are down. For southwest Victoria and southeast South Australia yields are looking to be good.
• As new season hay floods the market, we are seeing demand and enquiry increase. It is postulated many are trying to lock in prices and ensure that they have enough feed to cover themselves next winter. New season hay supplies in parts of Victoria are moving fast.
• Cereal hay prices have eased this week in north coast NSW, Bega, the Goulburn Valley, Gippsland, and southeast South Australia. Price changes have also been noted in central west NSW.
• 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

• Hay season is drawing to a close for much of the region. There was little hay made this season and many crops failed. Supply of feed is limited with a lot of hay being carted into the region from the southern parts of the nation.
• There are failed wheat crops that have been turned into hay this season.
• 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 seasons hay is limited in supply and there is limited carryover from previous years.
• New season hay is being made in parts of the region and is starting to flood the market. New season hay supplies are moving fast.
• There are a lot of frost damaged crops that have been turned into hay this season.
• There are some parts in the south of the region that are looking to have a good season
• 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

• A lot of canola has been made into hay this season.
• New season hay is being made in the region; yields are down across the state in Westeran Australia and this is reflected in the price.
• With limited carryover from previous seasons and poor yields across the state, securing long-term, reliable sources of feed may be an issue.
• 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

• After a hot, sunny week rain fell in the Atherton Tablelands on Tuesday with Walkamin recording 3mm of rainfall.
• Farmers were busy early in the week trying to bale the last of the oats before Tuesday’s rain. Once the weather clears there should be some grasses ready to be cut for 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.  
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($440 to $460/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

• Light rain fell in the Darling Downs over the weekend with Toowoomba recording around 5mm of rainfall over Friday, Saturday and Sunday.
• The Darling Downs is very dry. There is a little bit of sugar cane still being baled. Hay making is drawing to a close in 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. Many farmers are looking to the southern states for hay. Sugar cane tops 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. Cereal hay and vetch are being carted into the region from the southern states. 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 $240/t delivered locally.
• It has been reported that vetch is being delivered to the region from $450-550/t.
• It has been reported that there is cereal hay being carted into the area from the southern states for $370-$420.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($400 to $450/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($600 to $700/t). Prices remain steady 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

• Bits of drizzle fell in north coast NSW over the weekend but no substantial rainfall was recorded.
• North coast NSW has dried out. There is very little green feed on dryland pastures. Some irrigated crops are looking good in the region but there are very little of these. Farmers in the region continue to make hay.
• Demand is high in north coast NSW. There is a lot of demand coming from outside the region such as from the Tablelands as well local demand. There is limited feed available in the region with most hay spoken for. 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.
• It has been reported that there is some wheat stubble available in the region from $230-300/t on farm.
• Cereal hay prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: -15 ($400 to $460/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 in the region this week.
• Farmers are still baling hay and straw in parts of the region. For many crops have not been high enough out of the ground to make hay; some are hoping they might be able to salvage the seed from these crops.
• Demand is strong in central west NSW. Many farmers are looking outside the region for hay. 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.
• Straw prices have eased 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: -90 ($240 to $280/t). Prices have eased 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 drizzle fell in Bega on Wednesday; strong winds were also reported in the region. More hot weather and strong winds are forecast for the region.
• Bega is very dry and winds are further taking moisture out of the soil. 
• 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 $350-390/t.
• It has been reported that vetch is being delivered to the region from $400-450/t.
• Cereal hay prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: -5 ($350 to $390/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

• The Goulburn Valley did not experience any rainfall this week. Hot weather is forecast for the region late in the week.
• Hay making is into full swing in the Goulburn Valley. Yields in the region are looking good with 4-6t/ha.
• New season hay has come onto the market and is moving fast. Demand is strong in the region coming from bothin within and outside the region. A lot of hay on the ground and standing crops are already committed.
• It has been reported there is some canola available in the region for $220 – 250/t on farm.
• It has been reported that there is vetch available in the region from $300/t on farm.
• Cereal hay prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: -115 ($220 to $250/t). Cereal hay prices have eased 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 with areas in the south such as, Yarram, Yanakie and Wonthaggi recording rainfall while areas in the south such as, Sale, Bairnsdale and Orbost, recorded none. Hot weather is forecast for late in the week.
• East Gippsland remains dry. South Gippsland is green and wet. Silage continues to be made in the south.
• 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: -10 ($320 to $360/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 with Colac recording around 12mm and Warrnambool 20mm.
• The northern fringes of southwest Victoria have started cutting hay this week. Yields are looking to be very good. There is still silage being made in the region.
• 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.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($250 to $300/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

• After a drizzly weekend the weather started to warm in southeast South Australia. Hot weather hit the region on Thursday.
• Crops are looking good in the region. There is a lot of hay on the ground, the hot weather will help get this hay in a bale.
• Demand for new season hay has started to pick up in the region. 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: -10 ($230 to $260/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

• It has been a dry and hot week in central South Australia with no rainfall recorded.
• Hay making has been put on hold in the heat. Yields are firming in the region for some yields are very good however are quite varied in the region. 
• 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. There are a lot of frost damaged crops on the market.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($170 to $250/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

• It was a warm dry week in southwest Western Australia.
• There is a lot of hay being made in southwest Western Australia. Yields are down across the state.
• Demand is strong in the region with many farmers having ran out of feed. New season hay is on the market. There is very little carryover from previous seasons.
• 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 in northwest Tasmania with Smithton recording about 14mm of rainfall and Marrawah 10mm.
• Farmers are busy making silage in northwest Tasmania. Just south of the region in areas such as Longford, some hay started to cut for hay.
• Demand is strong in Tasmania. Parts of the state are very dry and in need of feed. There are limited hay supplies left in the state. There is a lot of silage moving at the moment. There is a lucerne shortage in Tasmania with many finding this difficult to source. Cereal hay and lucerne is being sourced outside northwest Tasmania.
• It has been reported that there is pasture silage available from $70/bale on farm.
• 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 ($170 to $220/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.