Hay Report – 23 November 2019

National Summary

• Hot and windy conditions were experienced throughout the nation this week. No rainfall was recorded in the northern regions, the Goulburn Valley, southeast South Australia or central west NSW this week. While in parts of south Gippsland, southwest Victoria and southwest Tasmania, light rain or drizzle fell over the weekend/early in the week.
• In the Darling Downs, north coast NSW, central west NSW, Bega, the Goulburn Valley, and central South Australia, the hot and windy weather is exacerbating the prevailing dry conditions. The hot dry weather has allowed farmers in parts of Gippsland, southwest Victoria, southeast South Australia and northwest Tasmania to continue to make feed.
• There is a lot of hay moving from the southern states to NSW, Queensland and the Northern Territory. Most of the demand in the southern states is coming from these northern states where supply of feed is limited.
• Cereal hay price changes have been noted this week in central west NSW, Bega, and southwest Western Australia. Lucerne price changes have also been noted in the Goulburn Valley and southeast 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

• 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 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 cereal hay and lucerne 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 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.
• 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, yields are poor.
• 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 has been a hot week in the Atherton Tablelands. It was another week with no rainfall recorded in the region.
• Little bits of hay continue to be made in the region. Some crops that were going for seed have been cut for hay as the seed was not filling out.
• Demand for hay is steady 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.  
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($400 to $440/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

• It was another hot, dry, and windy week in the Darling Downs. It has been over a month since it rained in the Darling Downs.
• The Darling Downs is very dry, there is no green feed, there is a lot of dust in from the wind, and the sky is smokey. Water is an issue in the region with many farmers running low on stock water.
• 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

• It has been hot week in north coast NSW. Fires continue to burn near the region. It has been windy, and the sky is smokey.
• Farmers are still baling sugar cane in the region. There is very little green growth and some of the creeks have stopped running.
• 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. 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 are sugar cane tops available in the region from $150/t on farm.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($430 to $480/t). Prices remain steady 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 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

• It was a hot dry week in central west NSW with no rainfall recorded. It has been windy and smokey in the region.
• Farmers have finished off baling straw this week. Lucerne is being made, however most of this is being made into small squares.
• 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.
• Cereal hay prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +5 ($400 to $450/t). Prices have firmed 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

• It has been hot, windy and dry in Bega. A little drizzle was recorded on Sunday and Monday, but this was not enough to wet the soil.
• Bega is very dry. Irrigation from the Brogo dam is now finished, and it is anticipated that irrigation from the Bega river will finish in the coming weeks. Salt water has started to come up with Bega river.
• With little green feed demand remains strong in Bega and supply is 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 $370-400/t.
• It has been reported that vetch is being delivered to the region from $420-480/t.
• Cereal hay prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +20 ($370 to $430/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

• It has been a hot, dry week in the Goulburn Valley. Strong winds were also reported.
• Farmers are busy baling straw and are starting their second cut of lucerne.
• 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. A lot of lucerne is being made into small squares. Some farmers are locking in straw prices off the back of the baler.
• 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.
• Lucerne hay prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0($250 to $280/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +115 ($600 to $650/t). Prices have firmed this week
• Straw: +/-0 ($120 to $150/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($350 to $370/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 over areas in the south of the region this week however, the east remained mostly dry. Wednesday brought hot weather to the region. Strong winds were also reported.
• Farmers in the south of the region are busy this week making the most of the break in the weather and are making silage. There are some farmers in the south that are making hay but for most this is a couple of weeks away. The ground is very wet in Gippsland.
• Demand remains slow in Gippsland. It is postulated that many farmers in the south of the region are waiting to see what the season brings before purchasing more feed, while farmers in the east are only purchasing when necessary. Some farmers are purchasing standing feed in the region. 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 delivered.
• It has been reported that there is standing silage available in the region for $30/bale.
• 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

• After some light drizzle over the weekend southwest Victoria has experienced no rainfall. Wednesday brought hot weather to the region. Strong winds were also reported.
• Farmers have been baling hay this week in the northern fringes of the region. The south continue to make silage.
• 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.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($240 to $280/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

• It was hot, dry and windy this week in southeast South Australia.
• Farmers have been busy baling this week and yields are good. There is good pastoral growth in the region.
• There is a lot of demand coming from outside the region many farmers buying crops off the back of the baler or in the paddock. Local demand remains steady. There is a lot of hay moving from southeast South Australia to the northern states, particularly Northern Territory and Queensland.
• It has been reported that there is some vetch being delivered into the region from $350-$400/t.
• Lucerne prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($230 to $260/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: -150 ($350 to $500/t). Prices have eased 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 temperatures reaching over 40 degrees in parts of the region. No rainfall was recorded this week.
• Straw is still being made in the central South Australia. The region is dry and there is little green feed.
• Demand is strong 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. A lot of hay is moving from the region to the northern states, particularly Northern Territory and Queensland.
• It has been reported there is vetch available in the region for $280-300/t on farm.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($200 to $260/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($570 to $650/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($140 to $170/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

• After a hot weekend the weather has cooled in southwest Western Australia. Light rain fell on Wednesday in the region.
• Farmers continue to make straw in Western Australia. Yields are poor.
• 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.
• Cereal hay prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: -15 ($300 to $350/t). Prices have eased 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 a wet week the weather began to clear on Wednesday in northwest Tasmania. Thursday brought strong winds and hot weather to the region.
• Farmers are making the most of the dry conditions and are busy making silage. There is a lot of green feed in the region.
• 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. Cereal hay and lucerne is being sourced outside northwest Tasmania.
• It has been reported that there is pasture silage available from $60/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.