Hay Report – 14 February 2020

National Summary

• It was a wet week for parts of Queensland and NSW with some regions recording between 100 and 500mm of rainfall. While coastal regions in NSW received high rainfall, it was patchy in central west NSW. With Cyclone Uesi on its way to eastern Australia, storms and heavy rainfall are forecast for parts of Queensland and coastal NSW.
• In parts of the northern regions there is hay ready to be made once the weather clears. In these parts, grass growth is good and there is a reduced need for feed. While there is green pick around in south coast NSW and the grasses are growing, farmers still need to feed hay. It will be 4-6 weeks before farmers will have their own feed in this region. While some farmers in central west NSW are trying to grow their own feed, many will rely on sourcing feed from outside the region. 
• Demand has gone quiet for most of the eastern states. Demand is still strong in central west NSW and is driving some of the demand in parts of Victoria. In Tasmania demand is strong and largely coming from north central coast and east coast, where conditions are dry.
• There are more grazier farmers who have good growth that have cancelled loads of hay, this hay is now available on the market. Movement of hay has also been affected by flood road closures. Hay continues to be donated to fire affected areas. While the movement of hay has slowed there is still a lot of hay moving.
• With the market quietening down prices have stagnated. Of the eastern states, Northwest Tasmania is the only region that saw price changes this week. Prevailing dry condtions in most of the state, are driving hay prices in northwest Tasmania. Price changes were also noted in 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

• Late summer rains have moistened soils in parts of the region and allowed grasses to grow. Farmers will try and make hay from these grasses.
• Late summer crops have been sown in parts of northern Australia.
• 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.
• Fires have affected some pasture and feed supplies in the region.
• 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 1^st January 2018. For more information and to apply please visit https://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate-and-emergencies/droughthub
• The Government is offering special assistance grants to those affected by the bushfires. For more information and to apply, please visit https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/disaster-assistance/special-disaster-grant-bushfires

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.
• A lot of hay is 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.
• Late summer rains along parts of the coast have provided some green relief to the region and allowed some to sow late crops.
• 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
• The NSW Government is offering special assistance grants to those affected by the NSW bushfires. For more information and to apply, please visit https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/disaster-assistance/special-disaster-grant-bushfires
• The Victorian Government is offering support to those affected by the Gippsland bushfires. For more information on support available, and to apply, please visit http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/emergencies/recovery/current-incidents

Western Australia – Summary

• Cereal hay and straw making are 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 was a hot and humid in the Atherton Tablelands. Patchy rain has fallen in the region with some areas recording up to 100mm of rainfall while others have recorded none. Hot, dry conditions are forecast for the rest of the week.
• Hay has been cut this week in the Atherton Tablelands. Some farmers are sowing grass seed in the region.
• Demand has eased in the Atherton Tablelands. Hay is being made and is available in the region.
• 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 fell this week in the Darling Downs with areas in the region recording 100-200mm of rainfall. Flooding occurred in parts of the region. More rain is forecast for the rest of the week and early next week.
• The Darling Downs is green, with some grasses a foot high. Farmers are waiting for the weather to clear so that they can make hay. Dams are full and creeks are flowing again.
• Demand continues to ease in the Darling Downs. There is plenty of green pick in the region which has taken eased the demand from graziers. Some graziers have been cancelling loads of hay. Floods in Queensland have caused some road closures are limiting hay movement in the state. 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

• It has been a wet week in north coast NSW. Areas in the region recorded over 100mm of rainfall on Friday and have had between 200 and 500mm of rainfall over the week. More rain is forecast for the rest of the week and early next week.
• The weather has been prohibitive of hay making in north coast NSW. The region is looking green and there is plenty of pick around. Most dams have filled and there is good moisture in the soil. Farmers are hoping for a break in the weather to make hay.
• Demand remains 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.
• No price changes have been noted 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
• The Government is offering special assistance grants to those affected by the bushfires. For more information and to apply, please visit https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/disaster-assistance/special-disaster-grant-bushfires

Central West NSW

• Patchy rain fell in central west NSW this week with areas in the region recording between 15 and 90mm of rainfall. More stormy weather is forecast for the rest of the week.
• Rains have soaked into the soil and weeds are starting to come through. Some dams have filled in the region. Follow-up rain is needed.
• 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

• The Bega Valley had a wet week with areas in the region recording 120-200mm of rainfall. This is the first significant rain event in the region since early autumn. More rain is forecast for the rest of the week and early next week.
• Bega is looking green. Rain soaked into the soil and the grass is growing. Farmers are getting ready to sow crops such as oats, rye grasses, and wheat, however, it is currently too wet to sow. Dams have filled and irrigators are hoping for more allocations.
• Demand is steady in the Bega Valley. There is a bit of green feed around, however, farmers are still needing to feed and are needing to purchase hay. Many farmers are trying to minimise purchases. 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. There are still some road closures in fire affected areas. 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
• The Government is offering special assistance grants to those affected by the bushfires. For more information and to apply, please visit https://www.raa.nsw.gov.au/disaster-assistance/special-disaster-grant-bushfires

Goulburn/Murray Valley

• More scattered rain fell in the Goulburn Valley this week. While many only recorded 2-4mm of rainfall, parts of the region recorded over 25mm. More stormy rain is forecast for the rest of the week.
• Rain has helped some lucerne growers in the region, however, many are getting ready for their last cut.
• 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 has eased a little, however, is still strong; largely coming from north of the region. Some loads of hay have been cancelled. 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.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($260 to $390/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($680 to $800/t). Prices remain steady this week
• Straw: +/-0 ($170 to $200/t). Prices remain steady 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

• Scattered rain fell in Gippsland this week with rainfall varying from a light drizzle to 20mm.
• South Gippsland is green and east has a green tinge. Farmers in the east are trying to make the most out of the moisture in the soil with some sowing grass seeds. There has not been much runoff from rain events in the east.
• 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. There are still some road closures in fire affected areas. 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.
• No price changes have been noted 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: +/-0 ($260 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.
• The Victorian Government is offering support to those affected by the Gippsland bushfires. For more information on support available, and to apply, please visit http://agriculture.vic.gov.au/agriculture/emergencies/recovery/current-incidents

Southwest Victoria

• Apart from a little drizzle on Wednesday, there has been no rainfall in southwest Victoria this week.
• Farmers in the region are busy maintaining the farm and stock.
• Demand has eased in southwest Victoria. The region has 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.
• No 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: +/-0 ($120 to $170/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 dry, hot week in southeast South Australia, with no rainfall recorded.
• Farmers in southeast South Australia are still baling straw. Rains last week left a green tinge that remains; however, follow-up rainfall is needed for the grass to get going.
• 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. Flooding in Queensland has affected the moving of some of the hay in the region. A lot of hay on the market is now lower grade. Some hay is moving from the region on road trains.
• No price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($270 to $340/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($470 to $570/t). Prices remain steady 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 was dry and hot this week with no rainfall recorded.
• The green tinge in the region is already burning off.
• Demand has slowed in central South Australia. Demand is largely coming from outside the region, in particular, from NSW and Queensland. Flooding in Queensland has affected the moving of some of the hay in the region. New season cereal hay has moved fast, and quality cereal hay is becoming harder to source. Some frosted crops were turned into hay this season. There was hay and straw left in the paddock last rain event and is weather damaged. 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

• It was a dry, hot week in southwest Western Australia.
• Southwest Western Australia is dry and there is little feed around. Farmers are busy maintaining stock.
• Domestic demand is steady in southwest Western Australia. New season hay and straw has moved fast and is limited in supply. A lot of hay in the state is now committed. It is increasingly difficult to source hay. There is very little carryover from previous seasons.
• Cereal hay prices have firmed this week.
• Cereal hay: +20 ($340 to $400/t). Prices have firmed 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 a dry week in northwest Tasmania with only a little drizzle recorded.
• Northwest Tasmania remains green. Hay making is finishing up and grass straw is being made.
• Demand has picked up again and is strong in northwest Tasmania, coming from the east coast and north central coast. Truck loads of hay have been donated from the region to fire affected regions, as well as the east coast of the state. Many farmers in the northwest have enough feed to get them through the season, however, hay supplies in the region are moving fast. 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: +70 ($150 to $200/t) Prices have firmed this week.
• Pasture hay: +20 ($250 to $320/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.