National Summary
- Rain and storms are forecast to fall across most of the southeast of Australia this week. While South Australia will not receive these storms, they are forecast throughout Victoria, NSW and parts of Queensland. So far these storms have been patchy, however more rain is forecast.
- Farmers in the north are waiting to see what these storms bring. Some farmers in the Darling Downs and central west NSW are hoping they might be able to sow crops with these rains. While in north coast NSW, it is hoped these rains will get their summer grasses going.
- Demand is holding firm across the country. There is a lot of demand coming from NSW and Queensland but we are also seeing increased local demand in Victoria and South Australia. Demand remains high in Tasmania which is largely being driven by the east coast.
- Hay supplies are moving fast with many farmers already sold out of hay. While hay is moving fast, it has been reported some farmers are holding onto supplies until they have a better idea of the months ahead. While it may become increasingly difficult to source hay, we might have more supply coming onto the market in the months ahead.
- Cereal hay prices have changed this week in central west NSW, southwest Victoria, southeast South Australia, southwest Western Australia and northwest Tasmania. Straw price changes have also been noted in southeast South Australia and central 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 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
- It has been a hot and humid week in the Atherton Tablelands. Storms have been patchy over the region this week, however more rain and thunderstorms are forecast for later in the week.
- Farmers in the region are waiting for these storms and a decent amount of rainfall to start sowing 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
- Light rain fell on Sunday in the Darling Downs with Toowoomba recording about 5mm. Since then the region has been dry, however, rain and possible storms are forecast for the rest of the week.
- Farmers are waiting to see what these rains bring. Many are running low or have run out of water in the region. Some may sow some millet or sorghum if the rainfall is high enough and there is more rain forecast in the coming weeks.
- Demand remains 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.
- No price changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($475 to $525/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($700 to $750/t). Prices remain steady week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($320 to $380/t). Prices remains 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
- Patchy rain fell on Sunday and Wednesday in north coast NSW with areas in the region recording anywhere between 1 and 50mm. Rain and possible storms are forecast for the rest of the week.
- Some farmers in the region are making the most of the rainfall they received and are sowing crops such as sorghum.
- Demand remains strong in north coast NSW. There is little feed available in the region with most hay in the region now moved. Cereal hay is being transported into the region from Victoria. Some roads in north coast NSW are opening up and it is now easier for some farmers in the region to get feed. Cereal hay and lucerne prices quoted are for supplies to be carted into the region.
- No price changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($450 to $500/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 ($440 to $450/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
- It has been a dry, hot week in central west NSW however, rain and possible storms are forecast for Thursday and Friday.
- Farmers in the region are waiting to see how much rainfall they get from these storms. Some are hoping that if there is some follow-up rain forecast that they will be able to sow crops. Sourcing seed for crops is difficult.
- Demand is holding very strong in central west NSW. Most hay in the region has moved. Feed is largely being sourced from Victoria and South Australia. Cereal hay, pasture hay, lucerne, 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 canola available in the region from $400/t.
- Cereal hay prices have eased this week.
- Cereal hay: -15 ($380 to $420/t). Prices have eased 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 smokey and dry in Bega this week however, thunderstorms are forecast for later this week.
- Farmers in the region are doing what they can to keep things running. Some are running on generators, some are having water carted in, and some are preparing to sow crops to provide themselves feed.
- Demand is holding very strong 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.
- No price changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($410 to $430/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($650 to $700/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($250 to $300/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 on Thursday with some recording 13mm and some recording none. More rain and storms are forecast for the rest of the week.
- Lucerne and straw are continues to be made in the region. Farmers are waiting to see what the storm brings and what they means for their crops.
- New season hay has moved fast with many farmers in the region now sold out of cereal hay. Demand for cereal hay is holding firm, largely coming from north of the region. Hay is moving to fire affected areas. There is a bit of donated hay moving from 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.
- No price changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($310 to $350/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($600 to $800/t). Prices remain steady this week
- Straw: +/-0 ($130 to $160/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-0 ($340 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
- Patchy rain fell over Gippsland this week with some recording about 4mm of rainfall while others recorded over 30mm. More rain is forecast for the rest of the week.
- Hay making has finished for most in the south, however, a little more is still to be made. In south Gippsland some farmers already have some regrowth. The east is dry and continues to be affected by fires.
- Demand remains strong in Gippsland. With the fires and the quantities of hay moving, many are trying to secure feed. Some farmers in the south have donated hay to fire affected areas with donated hay moving to east Gippsland from all over Victoria. 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: +/-0 ($350 to $400/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 ($250 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
- Light patchy rain fell over the southwest this week with more rain forecast later in the week.
- Straw is still being made in southwest Victoria.
- Demand is holding firm 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 prices have firmed this week.
- Cereal hay: +40 ($300 to $350/t). Prices have firmed this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($480 to $550/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($160 to $170/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-0 ($240 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 another hot and dry week in southeast South Australia.
- The region is starting to dry out and feed in the paddock is starting to disappear. Straw is still being made in the region.
- Demand is holding firm 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 straw prices have firmed this week.
- Cereal hay: +10 ($270 to $320/t). Prices have firmed this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($430 to $530/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +10 ($140 to $190/t). Prices have firmed 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
- Hot and dry conditions prevailed again this week in central South Australia.
- Pastoral areas in the region are looking poor with the region in need of some decent rainfall.
- Demand is holding firm 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.
- Straw prices have firmed this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($300 to $350/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($570 to $650/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +15 ($140 to $200/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
- It was a hot, dry week in southwest Western Australia with no rainfall recorded in the region.
- While most have finished baling straw now, there is still a bit of straw to be baled in Western Australia.
- 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. It is becoming difficult to source hay. There is very little carryover from previous seasons.
- Cereal hay prices have firmed this week.
- Cereal hay: +10 ($320 to $380/t). Prices have firmed this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($450 to $490). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($120 to 150/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
- It was mostly dry this week in northwest Tasmania with light rain falling in the region on Thursday.
- Silage continues to be made in northwest Tasmania.
- Demand is holding firm 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 is becoming difficult to source. 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 hay prices have firmed this week.
- Cereal hay: +5 ($310 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: +/-0 ($270 to $290/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.