Hay Report – 13 December 2019

National Summary

• The water for fodder program opened this week. Farmers connected to the southern Murray – Darling Basin were eligible to apply to purchase South Australian water at a discounted rate to produce fodder; this includes pasture for grazing. Applications were filled in the first day of opening and those that have applied will go to a ballot.
• There is still a lot of hay to be made in parts of Victoria. Hay making conditions have been difficult and there is quite a bit of hay that has been rained on. Straw is still being made in South Australia, Victoria and parts of NSW. While conditions have been difficult for hay making in Victoria, many farmers in South Australia have had great straw making conditions.
• A lot of hay has been made, and continues to be made, in parts of South Australia and Victoria. However, hay is moving fast. There are some farmers who no longer have hay available for purchase. The limited supply of feed produced in the northern regions has seen a lot of hay move north. There is still a lot of hay to be produced and it remains unknown whether supply will meet demand.
• Cereal hay price changes have been noted this week in the Darling Downs, central west NSW, the Goulburn Valley and, central Gippsland. Price changes have also been noted in southwest Victoria.
• 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 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, 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 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

• 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

• Monday brought grey drizzly weather to the Atherton Tablelands. Light rain fell and the drizzly conditions persisted through the week.
• There was some hay on the ground that got rained on. Rain has provided a little bit of green pick however more is needed.
• Demand remains strong in the Atherton Tablelands. Farmers in the region need feed. There is also strong demand coming from outside the region such as Gatton. 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. Rain fell on Wednesday with Toowoomba recording about 4mm of rainfall, however, this was not enough to wet the soil.
• There has been a lot of smoke and dust in the Darling Downs. The region is dry and in need of decent rainfall. There is no growth in the region.
• Demand is holding strong in the Darling Downs. With no green feed or summer crops sown in the region farmers are relying on carting feed 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, straw 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 $450-500/t.
• Cereal and pasture hay prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +10 ($440 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: +10 ($440 to $460/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.

North Coast NSW

• It has been hot and humid on the north coast of NSW this week but there has been very little rainfall. Some parts of the region recorded a light drizzle this week while others recorded no rainfall.
• Farmers with irrigation water are irrigating. Most of the sugar cane baling is finished now.
• Demand is holding strong in north coast NSW, coming from both within and outside the region. Most hay in the region has moved and sugar cane supplies are becoming tight. Cereal hay is being transported into the region from Victoria. There is limited feed available in north coast. 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.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($450 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 ($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 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 in the region.
• Most have finished baling in central west NSW. It is dry and water is an issue 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. Some local hay is weather damaged. 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.
• Cereal hay prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: -10 ($380 to $450/t). Prices have eased 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

• It was a hot, dry week in Bega, with no rainfall recorded in the region.
• Bega is in need of decent rainfall. Water continues to be an issue in the region. Those without irrigation have no growth.
• 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.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($350 to $430/t). Prices remain steady 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 week started hot in the Goulburn Valley but cooled mid-week. Conditions remained dry with no rainfall recorded this week.
• Farmers are busy baling Lucerne and straw this week. Most pasture in the region has finished being baled with water prices prohibitive of irrigating.
• New season hay is moving fast with a lot of the cereal hay in the region now committed. There is a high demand for cereal hay largely coming from north of the region. There is some weather damaged hay on the market and this is prices accordingly. 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. While demand remains strong, hay coming onto the market from regions such as Ballarat, are competing in the market.
• 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: -5 ($220 to $300/t). Prices have eased 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

• Monday was hot in Gippsland, however this heat did not persist through to Tuesday or the rest of the week. Most of Gippsland did not experience any rainfall this week, however some did experience a bit of drizzle.
• The east of Gippsland is dry and parts of the south such as Yarram are starting to dry out. Farmers in the south of Gippsland were making the most of the dry weather and were busy making hay this week.
• Demand remains slow in Gippsland. It is postulated that many in the region are only purchasing feed 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.
• Price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +15 ($300 to $350/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($550 to $650/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: -10 ($190 to $230/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($220 to $350/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 experiencing some hot weather, temperatures dropped on Tuesday in southwest Victoria. This drop in temperature was also associated with drizzle.
• Farmers are busy making hay this week. There is a lot of hay that has been rained on in the region and some of this is weather damaged. Hay making conditions have been difficult.
• Local demand remains quiet in southwest Victoria however there is a bit of enquiry coming from outside the region.New season hay is on the market in the region. Many in the region are holding on to their hay supplies to make sure they have themselves covered. 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.
• Straw 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: -60 ($120 to $150/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($220 to $270/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

• Sunday and Monday were hot in southeast South Australia. Tuesday provided relief with a cool change and scattered drizzle.
• Hay and straw continue to be made in southeast South Australia. There is still a lot of straw to be made in the region.
• Demand is strong in southeast South Australia and is largely coming from outside the region. 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.
• No price changes have been noted 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: +/-0 ($140 to $170/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, dry week in central South Australia with no rainfall recorded in the region.
• Farmers are still baling straw in the region. It has been good straw baling conditions.
• Demand is strong in central South Australia largely coming from outside the region. New season cereal hay has moved fast and there is limited supply left. Frost damaged crops on the market are priced accordingly. 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.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($220 to $300/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($570 to $650/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($130 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

• It was hot in southwest Western Australia this week. On Sunday scattered rain fell in the region with Bridgetown recording about 3mm and Bussleton recording none.
• Farmers are still making straw in Western Australia. Water is an issue in the region.
• Domestic demand is steady in southwest Western Australia. New season hay and straw is moving fast and is limited in supply. 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

• Patchy drizzle fell over northwest Tasmania this week.
• Farmers in the northwest of Tasmania have been busy making silage. Some have tried to make hay but it has been too wet. In other regions of Tasmania farmers have been busy making hay as it is less wet.
• 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 $80/t 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.