National Summary
- Rain fell last week throughout much of the nation. The Atherton Tablelands, the Darling Downs, and north coast NSW had high rainfall. In central west NSW, Bega, the Goulburn Valley, and Gippsland, rainfall was patchy and much more is needed in some parts of these regions. While there was some good rainfall in parts of the nation, follow-up rainfall is needed.
- Following last weeks rainfall, there is a green tinge in the Atherton Tablelands, the Darling Downs, north coast NSW, as well as in parts of central west NSW, Bega, and Gippsland. With this rainfall some farmers in the Atherton Tablelands, the Darling Downs, and north coast NSW, are sowing crops.
- While demand remains strong in parts of the nation, this week demand has eased in the Atherton Tablelands, the Darling Downs, and north coast NSW. There is still a lot of hay moving from the southern regions to the northern regions. In some regions demand is coming in faster than trucks are able to move supplies.
- Hay continues to move fast, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to source. In some regions a lot of the higher-grade hay has now moved, and there is now a larger proportion of low-grade hay on the market.
- Cereal hay prices have changed this week in the Darling Downs, north coast NSW, central west NSW, Bega, the Goulburn Valley, southeast South Australia, and central South Australia. Straw price changes have also been noted in north coast NSW, central west NSW, the Goulburn Valley, southeast South Australia, central South Australia, 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.
- Late summer rains have moistened soils in parts of the region and provided a green tinge.
- Late summer crops are being sown in parts of northern Australia.
- 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 continues to be made in Western Australia, 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.
- Hay has moved fast and is increasingly difficult to source.
- 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, humid, and wet week in the Atherton Tablelands with Walkamin recording over 100mm of rainfall. More rain is forecast for later in the week.
- The region is looking green. Farmers in the Atherton Tablelands are preparing to sow crops once the weather clears. There is also hay ready to be made once there are a few days of sunny weather.
- With a bit of green feed around, local demand has eased a little; however, local demand remains strong, and there is still a high demand coming from outside the region, from areas 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 wet week in the Darling Downs with 56mm of rainfall recorded in the region. More rain is forecast for the rest of the week.
- Grass is growing in the Darling Downs and the region has a green tinge. There are a lot of weeds popping up and a lot of spraying to be done. Farmers in the region are looking at sowing some crops such as forage sorghum. Follow-up rain is needed.
- Demand has eased in the Darling Downs. It is postulated that with the high hay prices, green feed in the region, and the possibility of sowing crops, farmers are trying to get by with the feed they have. Hay is being carted into the region from the southern states. Lucerne, straw, cereal and pasture 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 prices have firmed this week.
- Cereal hay: +20 ($490 to $550/t). Prices have firmed 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
- Rain fell in north coast NSW from Thursday until Monday this week, with the areas in the region recording well over 100mm of rainfall, and some recording close to 300mm. More rain is forecast later this week.
- The grass is growing in north coast NSW and the region has a green tinge. Dams have filled a little in the region. There is some rye grass hay ready to be made once the weather clears and it is postulated that with some dryland farmers might get a cut of tropical grasses in the next couple of months. Some farmers in the region are sowing sorghum and millet.
- Demand has eased in north coast NSW. There is little feed available in the region; most hay has moved. Cereal hay is being transported into the region from Victoria. Cereal hay, straw, and lucerne prices quoted are for supplies to be carted into the region.
- Price changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +50 ($500 to $550/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: -10 ($420 to $450/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.
- 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
- Rain was patchy in central west NSW. Some areas got up to 100mm of rainfall while others received none. More patchy rain is forecast for the region later this week.
- Parts of the region have a green tinge but a lot more rain is needed. Many in the region missed out on the rains. Those that have received rainfall are hoping for follow-up and are looking at securing seed and fertiliser.
- Demand is holding firm 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, lucerne, and pasture hay prices have firmed this week.
- Cereal hay: +15 ($390 to $440/t). Prices have firmed this week.
- Lucerne hay: +25 ($650 to $700/t). Prices have firmed this week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($240 to $280/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +15 ($430 to $500/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
Bega Valley
- Patchy rain fell in the Bega Valley this week with Bega recording about 15mm of rainfall. More rain is forecast later in the week.
- Parts of the region have a little green tinge but a lot more rainfall is needed.
- 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 canola is being delivered into the region from $450/t.
- Cereal hay prices have firmed this week.
- Cereal hay: +55 ($450 to $500/t). Prices have firmed 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
- Rain fell this week in the Goulburn Valley this week with parts of the region recording between 20 and 50mm of rainfall. There is more rainfall forecast for Thursday.
- There is still a little bit of lucerne being made in the Goulburn Valley, but most farmers have finished up. There are some farmers in the region who received water for fodder allocations who are using it for pasture or millet.
- New season hay has moved fast with many farmers in the region now sold out of cereal hay. A lot of the hay on the market is now lower grade. 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.
- Price changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +20 ($320 to $380/t). Prices have firmed this week.
- Lucerne hay: +40 ($680 to $800/t). Prices have firmed this week
- Straw: +25 ($150 to $190/t). Prices have firmed this week.
- Pasture hay: +20 ($360 to $390/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
- Patchy rain fell in Gippsland this week with some areas recording a bit over 10mm of rainfall while others recorded over 100mm. More patchy rain is forecast to fall in the region later this week.
- South Gippsland is wet and green. Some in south Gippsland are still producing feed. While some in the east did receive good rainfall, much more is needed. Parts of east Gippsland do have a green tinge however, much of the region remains brown and dry. A lot of rain that fell in the east ran off and has filled dams and streams; however, did not soak into the ground.
- Demand is steady in Gippsland. Some farmers in the south have donated hay to fire affected areas with donated hay moving to east Gippsland from all over Victoria. South Gippsland has had a good season and produced a lot of feed. The demand in Gippsland is coming from the east. Many roads in east Gippsland remain closed and requires permits and 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
- Southwest Victoria had a couple of drizzly days this week but no decent rainfall was recorded in the region.
- Southwest Victoria has dried off and farmers have started handfeeding. Straw continues to be made in the region.
- Demand is slow in the region but is strong from outside the region. Southwest Victoria had a good season, and most have enough hay to cover themselves. Many in the region are holding onto their hay supplies to make sure they have themselves covered and may release some supplies onto the market later in the season. There are supplies being donated from the region to fire affected areas. 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.
- No price changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($300 to $350/t). Prices remain steady 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
- Patchy rain fell in southeast South Australia on Monday with parts of the regions recording between 0 and 10mm. More rain is forecast for later in the week.
- Southeast South Australia has had a good season and there is still a bit of growth around. Straw and lucerne continue to be 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, NSW, and Queensland. Hay supplies are moving fast and are becoming thin with some farmers now sold out of hay. A lot of hay on the market is now lower grade. Some hay is moving from the region on road trains.
- Price changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +10 ($270 to $340/t). Prices have firmed this week.
- Lucerne hay: +30 ($470 to $550/t). Prices have firmed this week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($140 to $190/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: -40 ($270 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.
Central South Australia
- Monday brought patchy rain to central South Australia with areas recording between 0 and 10mm of rainfall.
- Many have finished baling straw in the region; however, there is still some more straw to be baled in the region.
- Demand is holding firm in central South Australia largely coming from outside the region. New season cereal hay is moving fast and is becoming harder to source. A lot of hay is moving from the region to the northern states, particularly Northern Territory, NSW, and Queensland. The price of lucerne is for lucerne to be sourced outside the region.
- Straw and cereal hay prices have firmed this week.
- Cereal hay: +15 ($290 to $370/t). Prices have firmed this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($570 to $650/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +10 ($160 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 another hot and dry week in southwest Western Australia, with no rainfall recorded.
- Southwest Western Australia is dry and in need of some good rainfall. There is no growth in the region and farmers are relying on feed.
- 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. Some hay has been donated from Western Australia to the east coast. It is becoming difficult to source hay. There is very little carryover from previous seasons.
- Straw and pasture hay prices have firmed this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($320 to $380/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($450 to $490). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +10 ($130 to 160/t). Prices have firmed this week.
- Pasture hay: +20 ($260 to $300/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.
Northwest Tasmania
- It was a dry week in northwest Tasmania, however rain is forecast for the rest of the week.
- Northwest Tasmania is green, and the grass continues to grow. The region is starting to dry out a little but should be fine if the rain comes through. It has been a very good season in the region with farmers in the northwest Tasmania having a good amount of feed.
- 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. Many farmers in the northwest have enough feed to get them through the season. 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.
- It has been reported that cheaper cereal hay can be sourced outside the region through established contacts. While difficult to source, those with established contacts might be able to find cereal hay from $200/t delivered.
- No price changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($310 to $330/t) Prices remain steady 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.