Hay Report – 15 November 2019

15 Nov 2019 | Hay Reports

National Summary

  • Windy conditions were experienced in all regions excluding southwest Western Australia this week. These windy conditions have been accompanied by hot and dry conditions in the northern regions.
  • Hay continues to be made in Victoria and South Australia. Weather has been prohibitive for hay making in parts of southeast South Australia and Gippsland, where conditions have too wet to bale hay. Straw is being made in central South Australia and Western Australia. In central South Australia new season straw is now on the market, however in Western Australia it has yet to come onto the market.
  • Demand remains strong in the northern regions and a lot of hay is being moved from the south to these regions. A lot of the enquiry in the southern regions is coming from the north. For most southern regions local demand is slow.
  • Cereal hay price changes have been noted this week in north coast NSW, Bega, the Goulburn Valley, southwest Victoria, and central South Australia. Price changes have also been noted in the Atherton Tablelands.
  • 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

  • There was little cereal 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.
  • Local hay supplies have moved fast and there are limited supplies left.
  • 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.
  • New season cereal hay continues to be made in parts of the region.
  • There is a lot of hay moving to the northern regions.
  • There are a lot of frost damaged crops that have been turned into hay this season.
  • There is hay that has been rained on in parts of southern Australia which has varying degrees of whether damage. This will be coming onto the market in the coming weeks.
  • 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 1st 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.
  • Cereal hay making is largely finished for the season and yields are low across the state.
  • New season straw is starting to be made in the region.
  • 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

  • It was a sunny, hot dry week in the Atherton Tablelands. No rainfall was recorded in the region.  
  • It is good hay making weather but there is very little hay left to be made. There are some paddocks that should be ready for a cut in the coming weeks.
  • Demand for hay, while strong, has eased a little in the Atherton Tablelands. Demand is 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 eased this week.
  • Pasture hay: -30 ($400 to $440/t). Prices have eased 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 hot dry week in the Darling Downs with no rainfall recorded. Strong winds were also reported.
  • The Darling Downs is brown with no growth. The region has been dusty with the recent winds.
  • Demand for hay remains strong in the Darling Downs. Hay supplies are limited with a lot of hay being carted into the region. Sugar cane tops are moving into the region from the Bundaberg/MacKay region, most of this is already committed. Cereal hay and vetch are being carted into the region from the southern states. Lucerne, cereal 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.
  • 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

  • North coast NSW has been hot, dry and windy this week. Tuesday the region was on catastrophic fire alert.
  • Fires have been burning in the region and skies have been ashy at times during the week. Some grazier paddocks have been burnt in the fires. Farmers in north coast NSW have been baling sugar cane tops when they can as conditions are mostly too hot and dry.
  • Demand remains really strong in north coast NSW, coming from both within and outside the region. Most cereal hay in the region has moved. Cereal hay is now being transported into the region from Victoria. There is limited feed available in north coast NSW with most hay spoken for. Cereal hay prices quoted are for hay to be transported into the region.
  • 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.
  • It has been reported that there are sugar cane tops available in the region from $150/t on farm.
  • Cereal hay prices have firmed this week.
  • Cereal hay: +25 ($430 to $480/t). Prices have firmed this week.
  • Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($600 to $700/t). Prices remain steady this week.
  • Straw: +/-0 ($270 to $330/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

  • It has been a dry week in central west NSW. On Tuesday the region experienced very high winds and temperatures.
  • Central west NSW is dry. Rain that fell a couple of weeks ago has now dried in the prevailing dry and windy conditions. Some are on to their second cut of lucerne but there is very little of this. Lucerne in the region is being made into small bales. There are very few irrigated crops including summer crops in the region.
  • Demand is strong in central west NSW. There is limited supply available in the region with hay being sourced from outside the region; largely coming from Victoria and South Australia. Pasture hay 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 $390-450/t.
  • It has been reported that there is cereal hay being delivered to the region from southern NSW and Victoria for $340-$370/t.
  • No price changes have been noted this week.
  • Cereal hay: +/-0 ($380 to $460/t). Prices remain steady this week.
  • Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($600 to $700/t). Prices remain steady this week.
  • Straw: +/-0 ($240 to $280/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

Bega Valley

  • Rain fell on Saturday in Bega with the region recording about 7mm of rainfall. The region experienced hot and windy conditions as the week progressed.
  • Bega is dry and it is looking to be a tough season. There is no growth on dryland pastures.
  • Demand remains strong in Bega and supplies are limited. 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 firmed this week.
  • Cereal hay: +10 ($370 to $390/t). Prices have firmed 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 over the Goulburn Valley on Saturday with parts of the region recording about 1-2mm while other parts recorded no rainfall. Strong winds were also reported this week.
  • While many finished baling before the rain event two weeks ago there is still a lot of hay on the ground. This was rained on and is water damaged. Farmers have baled their first cut of lucerne with most baling small squares. Irrigated pasture has been baled and we should see some dryland pasture baled in the coming weeks.
  • New season hay has come onto the market and cereal hay is moving fast. There is a high demand for cereal hay coming from bothin within and outside the region. A lot of hay is 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 and pasture hay prices have firmed this week.
  • Cereal hay: +30($250 to $280/t). Prices have firmed 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: +60 ($350 to $370/t). Prices have firmed 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 over Gippsland. Rainfall in the east of the region was patchy and light while the south recorded higher amounts of rainfall. It has been a windy week for parts of the region.
  • Farmers continue to make silage in the south of the region. There was a little bit of hay made before the rain this week in the south. It is now too cold and wet for hay making so farmers are waiting for the weather to clear to make hay. There is little growth in the east which remains dry.
  • Demand is slow in Gippsland. It is postulated that many farmers in the south of the region are waiting to see what the region brings before purchasing more feed, while farmers in the east are only purchasing when necessary. 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.
  • It has been reported there is silage available in the region for $80-100/bale on farm.
  • No price changes have been noted this week.
  • Cereal hay: +/-0 ($320 to $360/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

  • It has been a drizzly week in southwest Victoria. Strong winds were also reported in the region.
  • Things are growing nicely in southwest Victoria. Parts of the region are a bit wet. Silage continues to be made in the region and yields are strong. The weather has held off hay making on the northern fringes of the region.
  • Local demand remains quiet in southwest Victoria however there is a bit of enquiry coming from outside the region. 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 $320-350t.
  • Cereal hay prices have eased this week.
  • Cereal hay: -5 ($240 to $280/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

  • The weather was highly variable in southeast South Australia this week. Days have been both hot and cool, there have been patches of drizzle, and strong winds have also been reported.
  • There is hay on the ground ready to be baled but it is too wet. A lot of the hay on the ground that has been rained on. Farmers are hoping to get baling in the region again next week.
  • Demand for new season hay is steady in the region with many farmers buying crops off the back of the baler. New season supply has started to come onto the market.
  • It has been reported that there is some vetch being delivered into the region from $350-$400/t.
  • No price changes have been noted this week.
  • Cereal hay: +/-0 ($230 to $260/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

  • There were big temperature changes in central South Australia this week with both hot and cool day time temperatures recorded. Strong winds were also reported in the region.
  • Harvest is coming along, and new season straw is now on the market. There is still some cereal hay being made in the region.
  • Demand is is firming in central South Australia largely coming from outside the region. New season cereal hay is on the market with limited supply of last season hay left. There are a lot of frost damaged crops on the market and these are prices cheaper. New season straw is now on the market.
  • It has been reported there is vetch available in the region for $280-300/t on farm.
  • Price changes have been noted this week.
  • Cereal hay: +5 ($200 to $260/t). Prices have firmed this week.
  • Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($570 to $650/t). Prices remain steady this week.
  • Straw: -80 ($140 to $170/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.

Southwest Western Australia

  • It was a sunny dry week in southwest Western Australia.
  • Harvest is well underway in Western Australia and straw is beginning to be baled. There is little green feed in southwest Western Australia.
  • Demand remains strong in southwest Western Australia with many farmers having poor pasture growth. New season cereal hay is on the market however new season straw has yet to come onto 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

  • After the rain event on Sunday in northwest Tasmania, where Smithon recorded about 14mm of rainfall and Marrawah 15mm, it has been drizzly in the region. Strong winds have also been reported.
  • Grass growth is good in northwest Tasmania and the region is looking green.
  • Demand is strong in parts of Tasmania but is quiet in the northwest. 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. 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.