National Summary
- As last year drew to a close, hay demand was high throughout the country, and now moving forward into the new year, hay demand is even stronger. There is a lot of hay moving all over the country. Demand is coming in faster than it can be moved.
- While areas in the southern regions experienced a cool change on Sunday, hot, dry, and windy conditions have prevailed for most of the year. Fires in parts of northern NSW, southern NSW, Queensland, and east Gippsland have burnt some pasture and hay supplies. There is a bit of demand coming from these fire affected regions.
- While there is a bit of demand coming from these fire affected regions, a lot of the demand is still coming from those in the prevailing drought. It is postulated that we are also seeing some panicked demand coming into the new year.
- There is a high demand for cereal hay and we are starting to see the demand for straw increase. Straw is still being made in parts of Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. Some farmers who were going to leave their harvested crops have now decided to make straw.
- Hay is moving fast and there are a lot of hay trucks and trailers on the road. There are many farmers who have now sold out of hay; however, with the uncertainty of next season and the many months before the end of winter, it has been reported some farmers are holding onto supplies until they have a clearer picture of what lies ahead.
- Cereal hay prices have firmed this week in all regions of Australia. Straw price changes have also been noted in the Darling Downs, central west NSW, Bega, the Goulburn Valley, southwest Victoria, and southwest Western 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 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.
- Fires have affected some pasture and feed supplies in the region. Getting fodder into some parts of the region requires police escort.
- 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.
- There were a lot of frost damaged crops that were turned into hay this season.
- There is a lot of hay moving to the northern regions.
- 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 some in the south however, hay making conditions have been difficult this season.
- Hay supplies are moving fast and it has been reported that there is some panicked buying coming from the southern regions.
- Fires have affected some pasture and feed supplies in the region. Getting fodder into some parts of the region requires police escort.
- 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 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
- Rain fell on Tuesday in the Atherton Tablelands with Walkamin recording 10mm of rainfall. Most of this evaporated over the following days.
- Some farmers were busy making hay this week. Farmers are waiting for summer rains to sow crops.
- Demand is steady in the Atherton Tablelands. It is postulated that the the absence of summer rains is driving local demand. Demand is also coming from areas 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 another hot and dry week in the Darling Downs.
- There is no growth in the Darling Downs and farmers are relying on fodder to feed stock. There are farmers in the region running out of stock water.
- Demand has increased and is very 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. 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 vetch is being delivered to the region from $550-600/t.
- Cereal hay, lucerne and straw prices have firmed this week.
- Cereal hay: +45 ($475 to $525/t). Prices have firmed this week.
- Lucerne hay: +75 ($700 to $750/t). Prices have firmed week.
- Straw: +25 ($320 to $380/t). Prices have firmed 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 another hot, dry week in north coast NSW.
- Water is becoming an issue in north coast NSW. While some farmers in the region are still irrigating there are others who are running out of dam and bore water. Those with irrigation water are busy irrigating and there is a little bit of rhodes grass being made and millet is a few weeks off.
- Demand has increased 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. Most rhodes grass that has been made is already committed. Cereal hay is being transported into the region from Victoria. There is limited feed available in north coast NSW. Getting hay to some in the region requires police escort. Cereal hay and lucerne prices quoted are for supplies to be carted into the region.
- It has been reported that there is sugar cane silage available in the region for $100-120/bale
- Cereal and pasture hay prices have firmed this week.
- Cereal hay: +10 ($450 to $500/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: +25 ($440 to $450/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.
- 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 and smokey conditions are prevailing in central west NSW.
- Water is starting to become an issue in central west NSW with many dams and bores running dry.
- Demand has increased 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 $370-$410/t.
- It has been reported that there is canola available in the region from $400/t.
- Straw prices have eased 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: -40 ($240 to $280/t). Prices have eased 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 hot temperatures on Saturday a cool change came over Bega on Sunday. Tueday brought rain to the region with Bega recording about 9mm of rainfall however, much more is needed.
- Fires have burnt some pasture in the Bega valley and some farmers have lost hay sheds with feed. Water continues to be carted into the region.
- Demand has increased in the Bega valley. With some pasture and feed lost there is demand coming from these farmers as well as those who have run out of feed. 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. Some hay is being donated into the region. Getting hay to some in the region requires police escort. 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 $450-480/t.
- It has been reported that canola is being delivered into the region from $410/t.
- Price changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +30 ($410 to $430/t). Prices have firmed this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($650 to $700/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: -50 ($250 to $300/t). Prices have eased 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
- After a hot week a welcomed cool change came to the Goulburn Valley pn Sunday. Over Monday and Tuesday light scattered rain fell, however this was not enough to wet the soil and much more is needed.
- Farmers in the region are continuing to bale straw. Lucerne continues to be made in the region.
- New season hay has moved fast with many farmers in the region now sold out of cereal hay. Demand for cereal hay has increased, largely coming from north of the region. Hay is moving to fire affected areas. 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.
- Price changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +60 ($310 to $350/t). Prices have firmed this week.
- Lucerne hay: +45 ($600 to $800/t). Prices have firmed this week
- Straw: +5 ($130 to $160/t). Prices have firmed this week.
- Pasture hay: +45 ($340 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
- Sunday brought relief to the region with a cool change. Patchy rain fell on Monday and Tuesday. Some parts of the region missed out on rainfall and much more is needed.
- Parts of east Gippsland are burning and some pasture has been lost. East Gippsland is dry and the south is drying out.
- Demand has picked up and is now strong in Gippsland. With the fires and the quantities of hay moving, many are trying to secure feed. There has been some hay donated to the region. Getting hay to some in the region requires police escort. Cereal hay, lucerne and straw prices are for hay sourced outside the region.
- No price changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +50 ($350 to $400/t). Prices have firmed 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: +15 ($250 to $350/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 Victoria
- Sunday brought cold weather and light drizzle with Colac recording about 1mm of rainfall and Warnambool none.
- Southwest Victoria has dried out and farmers have started hand feeding. Hay baling has finished; yields are varied but are for the most part average.
- Demand has increased in southwest Victoria coming from both inside and outside the region. Many in the region are holding onto 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 $360/t.
- Cereal hay, straw and pasture hay prices have firmed this week.
- Cereal hay: +25 ($270 to $300/t). Prices have firmed this week.
- Lucerne hay: +30 ($480 to $550/t). Prices have firmed this week.
- Straw: +30 ($160 to $170/t). Prices have firmed this week.
- Pasture hay: +20 ($240 to $270/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.
Southeast South Australia
- After a hot week, Sunday brought a cool change to southeast South Australia. Light, patchy, drizzle also fell in parts of the region on Sunday.
- Straw and lucerne is still being made in parts of the region. There is still feed in some paddocks in the south of the region but some have started hand feeding.
- Demand has increased in southeast South Australia. A lot of demand is 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. More enquiry is starting to come in from NSW. Hay is moving fast in the region with some farmers now out of supply.
- Cereal hay and lucerne prices have firmed this week.
- Cereal hay: +40 ($270 to $300/t). Prices have firmed this week.
- Lucerne hay: +25 ($430 to $530/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 has been hot in central South Australia, however Sunday brought a cool change to the region. Scattered rain fell on Monday and Tuesday with some missing out. Clare recorded about 14mm while Kadina only recorded about 5mm. This was not enough to wet the soil and much more rain is needed.
- Central South Australia is dry and in need of some decent rainfall.
- Demand has increased in central South Australia largely coming from outside the region. New season cereal hay is moving fast. 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.
- Cereal hay prices have firmed this week.
- Cereal hay: +45 ($300 to $330/t). Prices have firmed 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 monderate weekend, it has been a hot dry, week in southwest Western Australia.
- Southwest Western Australia is dry. Straw continues to be made in much of the state.
- 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: +10 ($300 to $380/t). Prices have firmed this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($450 to $490). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +5 ($120 to 150/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
- It has been a dry, sunny week in northwest Tasmania.
- Farmers are busy making hay this week in northwest Tasmania. Some farmers in the region are still making silage.
- Demand has increased in northwest Tasmania and is largely coming from the east coast. The east coast is dry and has very little feed. There is a lot of hay moving to the east coast of Tasmania. Cereal hay and lucerne is being sourced outside northwest Tasmania.
- It has been reported that there is pasture silage available from $75-$80/bale on farm.
- Cereal and pasture hay prices have firmed this week.
- Cereal hay: +75 ($300 to $330/t) Prices have firmed this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($370 to $400/t) Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($80 to $130/t) Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +80 ($270 to $290/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. We recommend feed testing and viewing of fodder before purchase to be sure of the quality of feed.