Hay Report – 7 February 2020

National Summary

• Patchy rain fell throughout much of the nation this week and more rain is forecast for the rest of the week, and early next week. North coast NSW, the Goulburn Valley, Gippsland, southwest Victoria, southeast South Australia, central South Australia, and northwest Tasmania, all saw rainfall this week; however, most of this was patchy, and these regions, some missed out on rainfall. Rain is forecast to fall in the Darling Downs, north coast NSW, central west NSW, Bega, the Goulburn Valley, Gippsland, and southeast South Australia, later this week and early next week, with north coast NSW forecast to receive over 100mm of rainfall. 
• Some farmers in the Darling Downs, north coast NSW, and central west NSW, sowed crops with the last rain event, the follow-up rain forecast, should help these crops. Previous rain events have provided a bit of green pick for some. For many in the Darling Downs, central west NSW, the Goulburn Valley, and east Gippsland, the green tinge from previous rain events is burning off.
• Demand has eased throughout many of the eastern and southern states. It is postulated that previous rain events have eased some of the demand from grazier farmers, and that with more rain forecast, farmers are trying to minimise purchases. Demand remains strong in the Goulburn Valley and central west NSW. The demand in the Goulburn Valley is mainly coming from north of the region.
• There has been some more hay released onto the market following the rain events along the east coast. Some hay that was to be sold to grazier farmers in Queensland, is no longer required, and has been released back onto the market. Despite this a lot of high-grade hay has moved already, and with many months until the end of winter, hay supplies remain uncertain.
• Cereal hay prices have changed this week in the Goulburn Valley, southeast South Australia, and northwest Tasmania. Price changes have also been noted in north coast NSW, Gippsland, and 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.
• 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 and some green pick.
• 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 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.
• 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 is becoming increasingly difficult to source high-grade hay.
• 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 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 and straw making is finished for the season and yields are low across the state.
• 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 is hot and humid in the Atherton Tablelands. Monday was the only day that brought rainfall this week with Walkamin recording 8mm of rainfall. 
• Farmers in the Atherton Tablelands are busy sowing crops. Some farmers in the region made hay this week. There is more to be made once the weather clears.
• Demand has eased in the Atherton Tablelands. Demand is still 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

• Rain started falling in the Darling Downs on Wednesday this week, with Toowoomba recording 6mm of rainfall. More rain is forecast for the rest of the week, and it is forecast to rain into early next week.
• Farmers are waiting to see what this rain event brings. While the region has a green tinge, as it has been patchy, for many it is already burning off. Some farmers in the region have sown sorghum and millet.
• Demand has eased in the Darling Downs. It is postulated that farmers in the region are waiting to see what comes of the rain events before purchasing more feed. Rain has eased the pressure on graziers and some in the region have cancelled sales. 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.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($500 to $550/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($700 to $750/t). Prices remain steady week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($340 to $380/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($480 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.

North Coast NSW

• Rain fell in north coast NSW this week with areas recording between 10 and 30mm of rainfall. More rain is forecast to fall for the rest of the week and is forecast to fall through to early next week. Over 100mm of rainfall is forecast for the region.
• There is some rhodes grass that has been made into hay and there are some irrigated crops ready to be made into hay once the weather clears. Tropical grasses are growing well and are about 3-4 weeks off a cut. 
• Demand is quiet in north coast NSW. The rains have allowed grasses to grow and have eased demand. There is little feed available in the region; most hay has moved. Cereal hay, straw, and lucerne prices quoted are for supplies to be carted into the region.
• Pasture hay prices have eased this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($500 to $550/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: -85 ($320 to $380/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 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 has been a hot week in central west NSW. Light patchy rain fell over parts of the region on Monday, with many missing out. Good rainfall is forecast for later in the week and early next week.
• There are bits of green pick in the region, however as storms have been patchy, this is not widespread. A lot of weeds have popped up and farmers are still needing to use feed. Some farmers in the region have sown some forage sorghum and hope to get a cut off this.
• Demand is holding firm in central west NSW. Most hay in the region has moved. There is a high demand for cereal hay and demand for straw is increasing in the region. 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.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($440 to $500/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($650 to $700/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($270 to $300/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($430 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 dry week in Bega, with no rainfall recorded. Strong winds were also reported. Rain is forecast for later this week and early next week.
• Bega remains dry and there is little feed in the region. Water continues to be carted into parts of the region. The green tinge is burning off and much of the region remains brown.
• Demand has eased a little in the Bega valley, it is postulated that farmers are waiting to see what comes of these forecast rains. Hay continues to be donated to fire affected farmers. 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. 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.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($450 to $500/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

• Scattered rain fell in the Goulburn Valley this week with parts of the region recording between 0 and 10mm of rainfall. Rain is forecast for late this week and early next week.
• There is a green tinge to parts of the region and things are looking more positive for next season. The weather has been difficult for making lucerne, but for those who had timed it right, may have helped save a little on irrigation water. Summer spraying programs are starting this week.
• 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. There are round bales of cereal hay on the market in the region and these are priced cheaper. 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: -35 ($260 to $390/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($680 to $800/t). Prices remain steady this week
• Straw: +5 ($170 to $200/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($360 to $390/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 with some only recording drizzle, while others recorded up to 30mm of rainfall. Rain is forecast for later this week and early next week.
• There are still some farmers making hay and silage in the south of the region. While parts of east Gippsland have had some good rain, much more is needed, and the region remains dry.
• Demand remains slow in Gippsland. The demand in Gippsland is coming from the east, however it has been reported many are buying on an as needed basis. Many roads in east Gippsland remain closed and requires permits and police escort. There is a lot of donated hay coming into the fire affected regions of east Gippsland. Cereal hay, lucerne and straw prices are for hay sourced outside the region.   
• It has been reported that is being delivered to the region for $390 – $440/t.
• Pasture hay prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($380 to $420/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($550 to $650/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($200 to $230/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +5 ($260 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

• Rain fell in southwest Victoria this week with areas recording between 20 and 30mm of rainfall.
• Straw continues to be made in southwest Victoria. Things are looking good in the region and farmers are completing maintenance on the farm.
• Demand is steady in southwest Victoria and is mainly coming from outside the region. Southwest Victoria had a good season, and most have enough hay to cover themselves. Locally, demand is for vetch. 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 there is vetch being delivered to the region from $400/t.
• Price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($300 to $350/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($500 to $600/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: -20 ($120 to $170/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Pasture hay: -15 ($220 to $270/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.

Southeast South Australia

• Rain fell in southeast South Australia this week with parts of the region recording between 20 and 70mm of rainfall. More rainfall is forecast for later this week.
• There is a green tinge to the region. Weather conditions have been difficult for making lucerne. Some hay was left out in the paddock and has been rained on, but there is not much of this. Straw also continues to be made in the region.
• Demand has eased in southeast South Australia. There is little local demand, with most demand coming from outside the region. Demand is largely coming from NSW and Queensland. Hay supplies have moved 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: -15 ($270 to $340/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Lucerne hay: -15 ($470 to $570/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($170 to $200/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($270 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.

Central South Australia

• Central South Australia had its first big rain event since early spring this week, with parts of the region recording between 20 and 60mm of rainfall.
• Weeds have sprouted after this week’s rain event. There is some hay in the paddock that has been rained on but there is not much of this. Straw continues to be made in the region.
• Demand has eased in central South Australia. Demand is largely coming from outside the region, in particular, from NSW and Queensland; the demand from these regions has slowed. New season cereal hay has moved fast, and quality cereal hay is becoming harder to source. Frosted cereal hay and weather damaged hay is priced cheaper. The price of lucerne is for lucerne to be sourced outside the region.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($270 to $370/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($570 to $650/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($160 to $180/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

• Little bits of drizzle fell over southwest Western Australia this week, but no substantial rainfall was recorded. A hot week is forecast for the region.
• Farmers are busy maintaining stock and the farm. Southwest Western Australia is very dry 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. It is becoming difficult to source hay. There is very little carryover from previous seasons.
• No price changes have been noted 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: +/-0 ($130 to 160/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($260 to $300/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 another wet week in northwest Tasmania with areas in the region recording between 20 and 30m of rainfall.
• The region is looking green and grass growth is good in northwest Tasmania. It has been reported that this season is looking to be one of the better seasons the region has had.
• Demand has eased in northwest Tasmania. Demand is still coming from the east coast, which remains dry, but most of the state received rainfall last week and it is postulated this has eased demand. Many farmers in the northwest have enough feed to get them through the season. Cereal hay is becoming difficult to source. Hay prices vary greatly in the state depending on where hay is purchased. 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.
• It has been reported that there is silage available in the region from $85/bale on farm.
• Price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: -25 ($260 to $340/t) Prices have eased 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 ($240 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.