Hay Report – 6 December 2019

5 Dec 2019 | Hay Reports

National Summary

  • Rain fell this week in many of the regions. For the Darling Downs, central west NSW, north coast NSW and the Goulburn Valley, the soil remains dry after the rain event, with much more rain needed. In Gippsland, southwest Victoria, and southeast South Australia, the rain interrupted hay making.
  • There is a lot of hay on the ground at the moment in southwest Victoria and Gippsland. Conditions, while providing a good season for many in these regions, have made it difficult to bale hay. Straw continues to be baled in the Goulburn Valley, southeast South Australia, central South Australia, and southwest Western Australia.
  • The northern regions continue to drive demand. Demand in northern regions is holding firm. A lot of hay from Victoria, South Australia and southern NSW is moving north. Supplies in the northern regions are limited and the price of southern hay is competing with local markets.
  • Cereal hay price changes have been noted this week in the Darling Downs, north coast NSW, Bega, the Goulburn Valley and, central South Australia. Price changes have also been noted in Gippsland, southwest Victoria 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 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, straw, pasture hay and lucerne continue to be made in parts of the region.
  • There is a lot of hay moving to the northern regions.
  • There were a lot of frost damaged crops that were 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 is on the market.
  • Yields have been good for many in the south however, hay making conditions have been difficult this 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

  • 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 and dry week in the Atherton Tablelands with no rainfall recorded in the region.
  • Another cut of hay is about 3 weeks away. There is grass growth for those that can irrigate.
  • Demand for hay is steady in the Atherton Tablelands and supply is limited. Demand is coming from both within and outside the region. Hay supplies have moved fast and are increasingly difficult to source. 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 a hot week in the Darling Downs. Toowomba recorded about 3mm of rain, however this was not enough to wet the soil. Strong winds were also reported in the region.
  • The Darling Downs is very dry. There are very few summer crops planted. Some trees in the region are starting to die.
  • Demand for hay is holding 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. There is a little bit of irrigated pasture on the market. Cereal hay and vetch are being carted into the region from the southern states. Lucerne and cereal 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.
  • Cereal hay prices have firmed this week.
  • Cereal hay: +10 ($420 to $470/t). Prices have firmed this week.
  • Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($600 to $700/t). Prices remain steady week.
  • Straw: +/-0 ($300 to $350/t). Prices remain steady this week.
  • Pasture hay: +/-0 ($410 to $470/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

  • A storm passed through north coast NSW on the weekend. Scattered rain fell over the region during this event with different parts of the region recording 10 – 40mm of rainfall.
  • There is a green tinge to the region after the rain event this week, however, since the rain event, strong winds have taken the moisture out of the soil. Sugar cane tops continue to be baled in the region.
  • Demand is holding 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 and lucerne prices quoted are for supplies to be carted 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.
  • Cereal hay prices have firmed this week.
  • Cereal hay: +10 ($450 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 ($400 to $440/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

  • Scattered rain fell on in central west NSW this week with Forbes recording about 6mm of rainfall, Orange 15mm, Cowra 5mm and Dubbo 3mm. Strong winds were also reported in the region. 
  • There is a little bit of lucerne being made in the region but there is not much of this. Summer crops have not been sown in the region. 
  • Demand is holding 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 from 450/t.
  • It has been reported that there is cereal hay being delivered to the region from southern NSW and Victoria for $350-$380/t.
  • It has been reported that there is canola available in the region from $400/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 this week.
  • Straw: +/-0 ($240 to $320/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

  • A little drizzle fell over Bega on Sunday and Monday this week, however this was not enough to wet the soil. Strong winds were also reported in the region.
  • Bega is very dry. There is water being carted into the region. Some farmers that had irrigation are cutting silage in the region but there is not much of this. Many have run out of irrigation water.
  • With little green feed demand is holiding 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 vetch is being delivered to the region from $420-480/t.
  • It has been reported that canola is being delivered into the region from $370/t.
  • Cereal hay prices have eased this week.
  • Cereal hay: -10 ($350 to $430/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

  • Patchy rain fell in the Goulburn Valley this week with Shepparton recording about 5mm of rainfall, Echuca 8mm, Benalla 12mm, Yarrawonga 13mm and Kyabram only recording a light drizzle. Strong winds were also reported in parts of the region.
  • Some farmers are still baling straw. Lucerne continues to be made in the region.
  • New season hay is moving fast with a lot of the cereal hay in the region now committed. There is some weather damaged hay on the market. There is a high demand for cereal hay largely coming from north of the region. A lot of lucerne in the region is being made into small squares. The quality of lucerne is varied which is reflected in the large price range. Some farmers are locking in straw prices off the back of the baler.
  • It has been reported that there is vetch being delivered to the region from the Mallee from $380/t
  • Price changes have been noted this week.
  • Cereal hay: +10 ($230 to $300/t). Prices have firmed this week.
  • Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($510 to $800/t). Prices remain steady this week
  • Straw: +/-0 ($120 to $160/t). Prices remain steady this week.
  • Pasture hay: +/-0 ($250 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

  • Rain fell in Gippsland this week with Yarram recording about 36mm of rainfall, Yanakie 24mm, Wonthaggi 33mm, Bairnsdale 19mm, Nilma north 43mm, and Sale 23mm. Strong winds have also reported in the region. Parts of the region have good hay making weather forecast for the weekend.
  • After the rain passed, farmers were busy cutting hay this week in preparation for the making hay over the weekend.
  • 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. Cereal hay, lucerne and straw prices are for hay sourced 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.
  • Pasture hay prices have eased this week.
  • Cereal hay: +/-0 ($280 to $340/t). Prices remain steady this week.
  • Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($550 to $650/t). Prices remain steady this week.
  • Straw: +/-0 ($200 to $240/t). Prices remain steady this week.
  • Pasture hay: -35 ($220 to $350/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 Victoria

  • Rain fell in southwest Victoria this week with Warnambool recording about 17mm of rainfall and Colac 15mm. Strong winds were also reported in the region.
  • There is a lot of hay on the ground in southwest Victoria. The cool conditions have prolonged the growing season in the region but are making it difficult to bale hay. There is a lot of feed in 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.
  • Pasture hay prices have eased 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: -140 ($220 to $270/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.

Southeast South Australia

  • It was a cool week in southeast South Australia. Patchy rain fell in southeast South Australia this week with Naracoorte recording about 11mm of rainfall, Keith 7mm, Mount Gambier 15mm, Padthaway 6mm, and Lameroo 6mm.
  • There is still some straw being baled in the region. Parts of the region have had poor pastural growth and there will be limited pasture hay made. Most pastural hay made in the region is for personal use. 
  • There is a lot of demand coming from outside the region, however 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.
  • Straw prices have eased this week.
  • Cereal hay: +/-0 ($230 to $260/t). Prices remain steady this week.
  • Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($350 to $500/t). Prices remain steady this week.
  • Straw: -20 ($140 to $170/t). Prices have eased 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

  • Patchy rain fell in central South Australia this week with Kadina recording about 7mm of rainfall and Clare 14mm. Strong winds were also reported in parts of the region.
  • Farmers are busy baling straw this week. There is limited pastural growth in the region.
  • Demand is strong in central South Australia largely coming from outside the region. New season cereal hay and straw is on the market with limited supply of last season hay left. There are 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. The price of lucerne is for lucerne to be sourced outside the region.
  • It has been reported there is vetch available in the region for $280-300/t on farm.
  • Cereal hay and straw prices have firmed this week.
  • Cereal hay: +10 ($220 to $300/t). Prices have firmed this week.
  • Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($570 to $650/t). Prices remain steady this week.
  • Straw: -5 ($130 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 has been a hot, dry week in southwest Western Australia.
  • While yields across the state are down, some farmers in the southwest of the state have had a good season.
  • Domestic demand is steady in southwest Western Australia. New season hay and straw is on the market and supply is limited. There is very little carryover from previous seasons.
  • No price changes have been noted this week.
  • Cereal hay: +/-0 ($280 to $350/t). Prices remain steady this week.
  • Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($450 to $490). Prices remain steady this week.
  • Straw: +/-0 ($110 to 140/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 15mm and Marrawah 26mm. Strong winds were also reported.
  • The grass continues to grow in northwest Tasmania. The wet conditions put activities to a hold 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 ($180 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.