National Summary
- The fodder market is very responsive to rain and with recent falls occurring in many regions around the country over the last few weeks (at long last), demand has quickly softened. The Atherton Tablelands, Darling Downs, North Coast NSW, Central West NSW and the Bega Valley have all reported some reasonable rain events, albeit patchy in some instances. The obvious benefit from the rain has been a start in the growth of home-grown feed but equally, a lift in optimism and hope. Those outcomes have seen hay/fodder demand quickly soften and, in some cases, we are now hearing of loads of hay that had been purchased/committed to but not yet delivered wanting to be cancelled. Not surprisingly, feedlots and larger livestock enterprises are maintaining their commitments, however.
- We have witnessed some significant price changes this week as a result of a softening in demand, particularly in the Atherton Tablelands, Darling Downs and North Coast NSW. There have been other price changes in other regions also, but less pronounced than in these regions.
- The concern for some regions, particularly around the southern parts of the country, is that this rain is early for an autumn break and to get maximum benefit, it will need to continue into March and April.
- Whilst no-one is lamenting the rain, it does come with some downside and in some regions, this is the rapid growth in weeds from long-dry paddocks that will require control.
- Whilst supply is still relatively tight in some regions, the drop in demand has taken immediate pressure off the system and the outlook is more optimistic that supply will continue to meet demand. The caveat on this is of course a continuation of rain. If the ‘tap is turned off’ now, the situation could quickly revert back to problematic for supply and whilst we may only be on the cusp of autumn, planning for winter and corresponding fodder reserves is already factoring into the thinking of some growers and end-users.
- It is reported that there are still very good supplies of straw in the system, especially out of Victoria. As a result, we have seen softening of straw prices this week across several regions.
- There is a lot of hay still being transported around the country, meeting previous orders/commitments. We maintain our recommendation that all buyers ensure they obtain a feed-test and view the fodder before purchasing to be as confident as possible on the quality of their hay/fodder purchase.
Northern Australia – Summary
- After a very long period of drought, recent positive rain events in these regions have lifted optimism for the year ahead and hay demand has all but stalled as a result.
- Late summer crops have been sown in some parts of northern Australia.
- Supply of feed has been limited with a lot of hay being carted into the region from the southern parts of the nation; this is now slowing with current hay trucks delivering previously committed orders.
- There are reports of orders now being cancelled (or attempting to be cancelled) due to the recent rains and the growth of home-grown feed now occurring.
- Local hay supplies have moved fast and there are limited supplies left; any further supply will need to be sourced from outside of the region in the main.
- Fires have affected some pasture and feed supplies in some regions.
- 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
Southern Australia – Summary
- Last season’s 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 has been moving to the northern regions, but this is expected to slow now due to the rain.
- 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 many in the south, however hay making conditions has been difficult this season due to inclement weather.
- Hay supplies have moved fast, and it is becoming increasingly difficult to source high-grade hay.
- Fires have affected some pasture and feed supplies in the region and various charities are still active in the market recurring fodder to donate to these affected regions.
- 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 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
- Domestic demand is steady in southwest Western Australia.
- New season hay and straw has moved fast and is limited in supply with most straw production is now finished. A lot of hay in the state is now committed. It is increasingly difficult to source hay.
- With limited carryover from previous seasons and poor yields across the state, securing long-term, reliable sources of feed may still 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.
- Securing a good autumn break is still very much factoring in the minds of Western Australian growers, despite recent rains.
Regional Commentary
Atherton Tablelands
- It is still hot and humid in the Atherton Tablelands with patchy rain falling in the region of varying quantities with heavier falls being reported closer to the coast.
- Some rhodes grass hay has been cut this week in the Atherton Tablelands. Some farmers are sowing grass seed in the region and others are planting maize. Cereal crops will reportedly be late this year with other crops (i.e. maize and peanuts) running late.
- There is reportedly plenty of feed growing again in the region generally which has resulted in the easing of demand.
- Demand has eased in the Atherton Tablelands with the hay business suddenly going very quiet and the noticeable easing of hay trucks bringing feed in.
- Pasture hay: -$95 ($300 to $350/t). Prices have eased this week in the region.
- Lucerne: $27 small square bales (sourced from Gatton)
- 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.
Darling Downs
- Good rains continue to fall in the Darling Downs region with frequent storms and humid weather making growing conditions, unseen for many years, ideal.
- The Darling Downs is green, with good feed growth. Making hay has been difficult in the region due to the wet weather hindering attempts.
- Demand has reportedly stopped dead in the Darling Downs.
- Some smaller graziers have been trying to cancel loads of hay or attempting to.
- Prices have eased significantly in the region this week.
- Cereal hay: -$90 ($420 to $450/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Lucerne hay: -$100 ($600 to $650/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Straw: -$55 ($280 to $330/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Pasture hay: -$215 ($250 to $300/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.
North Coast NSW
- It remains wet and humid on the north coast NSW. Areas in the region recorded up to 290mm of rainfall in ten days with some flooding.
- The weather has been prohibitive for hay making on the 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 which is proving elusive. There is some rhodes grass hay to be made when a break in the weather will allow it.
- Demand has all but stopped on the north coast NSW. The rains have allowed grasses to grow and have eased demand significantly. Cereal hay, straw, and lucerne prices quoted are for supplies to be carted into the region.
- Prices have eased significantly in the region this week.
- Cereal hay: -$100 ($400 to $450/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Lucerne hay: -$100 ($500 to $600/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Straw: -$100 ($170 to $230/t). Prices have eased this week (no local supply and no demand).
- Pasture hay: -$115 ($220 to $250/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 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, storm rain continues to fall in central west NSW over the last week with areas in the region recording between 70 to 100mm of rainfall.
- Rains have soaked into the soil and weeds are starting to come through which will need to be controlled.
- Demand has eased somewhat but is still holding firm in central west NSW. Most hay in the region has moved; there is no over-supply. There remains consistent demand for fodder in the region, largely being sourced from Victoria and South Australia. Cereal hay, pasture hay, lucerne, and straw prices, have been sourced from outside the region.
- Cattle prices have spiked, and this will underpin a continuing demand for hay unless follow-up rains produce more than enough feed.
- 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 (no supply currently around).
- 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.
Bega Valley
- The Bega Valley has received some reasonable rain recently, recording 120-300mm. This has resulted in some grass growth, but lagoons and dams are still quite dry with the run-off feeding river flows.
- Demand remains 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. The prices quoted are for hay and straw to be carted into the region.
- There is no carry over or excess supply in the region (nothing in store) and this will continue to underpin demand.
- Whilst grass growth will give some relief, dairy farmers in the region are continuing to look for fibre for their herds.
- 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 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
- Patchy rain has fallen in the Goulburn Valley recently, but it is inconsistent; Echuca for example is still dry.
- Rain has helped some lucerne growers in the region however, with many 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 generally in the region has now stagnated with the market in a hiatus.
- A lot of lucerne in the region is being made into small squares.
- Prices have eased in the region recently.
- Cereal hay: -$5 ($290 to $350/t). Prices have eased this week and the range narrowed.
- Lucerne hay: -$165 ($550 to $600/t). Prices have eased this week with very little trade occurring.
- Straw: -$55 ($120 to $140/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-0 ($360 to $390/t). Prices remain steady this week but minimal trade occurring.
- 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
- Good rains have fallen in Gippsland over the last six weeks with up to 210mm reported in some areas. South Gippsland is green, and the east is improving. Whilst the rain has been welcome, it does need to continue into autumn to bring security of feed.
- Demand has stalled in Gippsland; some small amounts are still moving but with the de-stocking that has occurred and now relief from rain with grass growth, many buyers are now out of the market. There is still product moving into east Gippsland but primarily, it is reported, for fire relief purposes.
- Lucerne is being cut and baled, when weather permits, and silage is also being made.
- Price changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: -$100 ($280 to $320/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($550 to $650/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: -$40 ($150 to $200/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Pasture hay: -$115 ($180 to $200/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 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
- Most of southwest Victoria has not had any major rain of recent weeks but there has been intermittent showers and drizzle.
- Demand has eased in southwest Victoria. The region has 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, if there is demand. 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.
- There are reports of previous orders for hay out of the region, particularly from northern regions, now wanting to be cancelled.
- There are some quality concerns around some of the cereal and pasture hay in the region, so feed tests and inspections are highly recommended.
- Cereal hay and pasture hay price changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: -$50 ($250 to $300/t). Prices have eased 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: -$45 ($180 to $220/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
- It is still relatively dry in southeast South Australia, with 30-60mm falling about 3 weeks ago being the last meaningful rainfall. Many producers will be not overly concerned by the current dry but will be hoping the autumn break delivers good rains.
- Demand has eased in southeast South Australia. There is little local demand, with most demand previously coming from outside the region, largely from NSW and Queensland. Hay supplies have moved fast and have been largely depleted, with some farmers now sold out of hay. Any current loads on the roads will have been previously committed orders being delivered.
- There is lucerne to be made in the coming weeks, both dryland and irrigated.
- Price changes have been noted this week for lucerne, straw and pasture hay varieties.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($270 to $340/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: -$45 ($450 to $500/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Straw: -$50 ($120 to $150/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Pasture hay: -$85 ($200 to $250/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
- Central South Australia has received some patchy rain over the last 3 weeks totalling anything from 20 to 40mm depending on where you are. This has not had much impact aside from growing weeds and didn’t last long on dry ground.
- Demand has slowed in central South Australia. Demand was largely coming from outside the region from NSW and Queensland, but it is expected this will slow now too. Outside of the region, for example around Victor Harbour, there have been better falls of rain and that is also slowing demand for fodder sourced from central South Australia.
- Some frosted crops were turned into hay this season and there is still some straw of dubious quality being baled.
- It is reported that there is hay around in paddocks and sheds but some of this will be committed to export and it is also speculated that some has been purchased by charities for fire affected regions that is still to be delivered.
- Prices have eased generally this week for some products.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($270 to $370/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: -$185 ($400 to $450/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Straw: -$35 ($120 to $150/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.
Southwest Western Australia
- There has been some rain in Western Australia with falls ranging from 30-50mm from storms across the southeast and into the wheat belt. It is speculated that some of the recent storms have adversely impacted dry feed in paddocks and this will prompt some extra demand for hay. A lot of growers will still be seeking a reliable autumn break in 3-4 weeks to secure plantings.
- The rain has prompted some growers to go in early with lupins and canola.
- Domestic demand is steady at best in southwest Western Australia. New season hay and straw has moved fast and is limited in supply with most straw production now finished. A lot of hay in the state is now committed. It is increasingly difficult to source hay. There are very little carryover supplies from previous seasons.
- Pasture hay, where available, should be quality verified before purchase.
- Cereal hay: -$25 ($340 to $350/t). Prices have eased marginally this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($450 to $490). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: -$15 ($120 to 140/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Pasture hay: -$70 ($200 to $220/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.
Northwest Tasmania
- There has been some rain in northwest Tasmania of around 25mm recently and on the east coast too. Consequently, there is some feed starting to grow and there is hope that this rain is the start of the autumn break in the region, if it continues.
- Demand remains strong in northwest Tasmania, coming principally from the east coast which has been dry for a long period. The east coast also has strong demand for pasture straw.
- Supply is holding up at the present time but could become a lot tighter the closer it gets to winter; further rain is needed to alleviate this.
- 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.
- No price changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($260 to $340/t) Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($370 to $400/t) Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($150 to $200/t) Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-0 ($250 to $320/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.