National Summary
- A heatwave hit most of Australia this week with many experiencing temperatures into the 40s. For many this heat has been prohibitive for activity on the farm, but for some farmers in south Gippsland, southwest Victoria and southeast South Australia, it has been helpful in making hay.
- Farmers in north coast NSW and central west are finishing up with making feed, and those the in the Goulburn Valley and central South Australia are at the tail end of their season. However, in Tasmania, the season is just getting underway, and in south Gippsland and southwest Victoria farmers are in the midst of their season.
- Hay is moving fast from South Australia and Victoria. A lot of farmers are no longer have hay supplies to sell. Most of the hay sold is moving north to NSW and Queensland; we are also seeing a bit of hay moving to the Northern Territory.
- Cereal hay price changes have been noted this week in the Goulburn Valley, central South Australia, and southwest Western Australia. Price changes have also been noted in central west NSW, and northwest Tasmania.
- 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 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
- Patchy rain fell on Sunday and Monday in the Atherton Tablelands. Walkamin recorded 15mm over the two days but other areas in the region recorded more.
- More rain is needed in the region with farmers still having to irrigate. There is more hay on the ground in the region that has been rained on.
- Demand is steady in the Atherton Tablelands. There is local demand as well as external demand from regions 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 with temperatures soaring into their 40s. No rainfall was recorded in the region.
- The Darling Downs is dry. Farmers are relying on fodder to feed stock. Water is an issue for some 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.
- No price changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($440 to $470/t). Prices remain steady 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 ($440 to $460/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 was a dry, hot week in north coast NSW with no rainfall recorded. Strong winds were also reported in the region.
- There is very little left to be baled in the north coast NSW. The region is dry and those without irrigation water have no green feed.
- Demand is holding strong in north coast NSW, coming from both within and outside the region. There is little feed available in 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 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 1st January 2018. For more information and to apply please visit https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate-and-emergencies/droughthub
Central West NSW
- Hot, dry, windy conditions continue in central west NSW with temperatures soaring into their 40s.
- For many it is too hot to be outside this week with many trying to minimise their time outside. Water and feed continue to be 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 that there is vetch being delivered to the region from $480/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.
- Straw prices have firmed this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($380 to $450/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($600 to $700/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +20 ($280 to $320/t). Prices have firmed 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
- After some light rain on Friday Bega has been dry. Hot temperatures were experienced in the region this week.
- Water is a major issue in Bega. Many farmers have run out of water and are having to cart water into the region; some farmers are getting subsidies from factories to do this. There was not much feed made in Bega as there was little irrigation water, most farmers are relying on carting feed into the region.
- With little green feed demand is holiding strong in Bega and supply is limited. There was very little feed made in Bega and surrounding regions this season. 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
- It was a dry, hot week in the Goulburn Valley this week. No rainfall was recorded, and temperatures reached into their 40s.
- Early in the week farmers were trying to make as much straw and lucerne before as the heatwave would put a hold on hay making. Some with irrigation water are irrigating lucerne crops for another cut.
- 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. Local demand remains relatively quiet in the region. There is some weather damaged hay on the market and this is priced 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 $390/t
- Price changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +10 ($240 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
- After some light patchy rain early in the week, dry, hot, conditions were experienced in Gippsland.
- Farmers are making the most of the fine weather and making hay this week. Pasture hay yields are looking better than last year. Quality of pasture hay is varied and there is a lot of dry feed.
- 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 locally.
- No price changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($300 to $350/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($550 to $650/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($190 to $230/t). Prices remain steady 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 light patchy drizzle early in the week, no rainfall was recorded in the region. Temperatures reached into their 40s.
- Farmers are making the most of the dry conditions and making hay this week.
- Local demand remains quiet in southwest Victoria however there is a bit of enquiry coming from outside 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.
- 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 ($120 to $150/t). Prices remain steady 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
- It was a hot week in southeast South Australia with temperatures in parts of the region reaching into the 40s. Dry conditions were also experienced this week, with no rainfall recorded.
- Southeast South Australia is dry and there is no pasture growth. Hay and straw continue to be made in the region.
- Demand is strong in southeast South Australia. There is little local demand with most demand 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. Hay has moved fast in the region with some farmers now out of supply.
- It has been reported that there is some vetch being delivered into the region from $350-$400/t.
- Lucerne prices have firmed this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($230 to $260/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +30 ($410 to $500/t). Prices have firmed 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 another hot week in central South Australia with temperatures exceeding 40s. Conditions continue to be dry with no rainfall recorded in the region.
- The hot weather has interrupted straw baling this week. There is still quite a bit of straw to be baled.
- 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.
- Cereal hay and straw prices have firmed this week.
- Cereal hay: +10 ($240 to $300/t). Prices have firmed this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($570 to $650/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +5 ($140 to $170/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.
Southwest Western Australia
- Hot and dry conditions were experienced in southwest Western Australia this week with some experiencing temperatures in their 40s and no rainfall recorded.
- Straw continues to be made in Western Australia. There is little straw in Western Australia this season.
- Domestic demand is steady in southwest Western Australia. New season hay and straw is moving fast and is limited in supply. A lot of hay in the state is now committed. There is very little carryover from previous seasons.
- Cereal hay and straw prices have firmed this week.
- Cereal hay: +15 ($280 to $380/t). Prices have firmed this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($450 to $490). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +5 ($120 to 140/t). Prices have firmed 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 the northwest of Tasmania on Monday this week with Marrawah recording 13mm and Smithton 8mm.
- Farmers in the northwest of Tasmania were making silage late in the week. In the rest of the state farmers are busy making hay.
- 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.
- Lucerne prices have firmed this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($220 to $260/t) Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +10 ($370 to $400/t) Prices have firmed 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.