National Summary
- After consistent rainfall, much of the nation is looking green. For the most part, the northern and southern regions have green pick available. In the northern regions, late sown crops are now ready to be made into hay. While in the southern regions, some are sowing crops.
- With the change in feed available we have seen demand decrease throughout the nation. While there is still a bit of demand coming from some of the northern regions, this has eased, and many orders have been cancelled. With the decrease in activity, it has been reported that some truck drivers are offering discounted rates.
- While supplies moved fast this year, with cancelled orders, and a more optimistic outlook, there is more hay now available on the market. Late sown crops will also provide some relief to the market. Hay and silage are still being made in both northern and southern regions.
- Cereal hay price changes have been noted this week in central west NSW, Bega, the Goulburn Valley, southeast South Australia, central South Australia and southwest Western Australia. Straw price changes have been noted in central west NSW, the Goulburn Valley, southeast South Australia, and southeast South Australia.
- There is a lot of hay being transported around the country of varying quality. We caution buyers and recommend feed-testing and viewing fodder before purchasing to be sure of quality of the feed.
Northern Australia – Summary
- After consistent rainfall demand has eased in northern Australia.
- Late summer crops have been sown in some parts of northern Australia and are being turned into hay.
- 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 being cancelled due to the recent rains and the availability of green pick.
- 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
- A lot of hay has been moving to the northern regions, but this has slowed.
- Yields have been good for many in the south, however hay making conditions has been difficult this season due to inclement weather.
- There were a lot of frost damaged crops that were turned into hay this season.
- There is hay that has been rained on in parts of southern Australia which has varying degrees of weather damage. This is on the market.
- Hay supplies have moved fast, and there is limited carryover from previous years.
- 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. A lot of hay in the state is now committed.
- There is some new cereal hay on the market.
- 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 has been a hot, humid, and wet week in the Atherton Tablelands, with the region recording over 130mm of rainfall. More rainfall is forecast for the rest of the week.
- There is hay ready to be made in the Atherton Tablelands once the weather clears. Farmers have been busy sowing corn this week with many now finished.
- Demand has eased in the Atherton Tablelands. There is plenty of green pick in the region and there is less hay moving from the region to areas such as Gatton.
- Pasture hay: +/-0 ($300 to $350/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.
Darling Downs
- After a wet week, Wednesday brought some fine weather to the Darling Downs, which is forecast to persist for the rest of the week.
- The region has dried off enough this week for farmers to start making hay (mainly forage sorghum and grasses). Crops are high and there is plenty of green pick in the region. Farmers are hoping to get another cut from their crops.
- Demand is quiet in the Darling Downs. Farmers are trying to get by on what feed they have, and it has been reported that some farmers are cancelling loads of hay. Cereal hay, lucerne, and straw, are being sourced outside the region.
- No price changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($420 to $450/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($600 to $650/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($280 to $330/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-0 ($250 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.
North Coast NSW
- There hasn’t been a break in the weather in north coast NSW which remains wet. This is forecast to persist for the rest of the week.
- Farmers in north coast NSW are waiting for a break in the weather so they can start making feed. There is plenty of rhodes grass, tropical grasses, sorghum, and millet, to be made into hay. Many crops are in the region are getting old.
- With plenty of green pick around, there is very little demand in north coast NSW. There is little local hay in the region. 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 ($400 to $450/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($500 to $600/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($170 to $230/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-0 ($220 to $250/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
Central West NSW
- Last Friday rain fell in central west NSW with the parts of the region recording 20-70mm of rainfall. Since then the weather has been clear.
- There is a lot of summer spraying occurring in central west NSW. After significant rainfall the region is looking green and some farmers are busy sowing winter crops. Some farmers in the region are now looking like they will get a cut of lucerne.
- While demand has eased in the region, there is still steady enquiry. It is postulated many farmers are trying to fill their sheds to get them through winter. Most hay in the region has moved and feed is being sourced from Victoria and South Australia. Cereal hay, pasture hay, lucerne, and straw prices, have been sourced from outside the region.
- Price changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: -$90 ($360 to $400/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($650 to $700/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: -20 ($250 to $280/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Pasture hay: -$180 ($250 to $320/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.
Bega Valley
- The sun has been shining in the Bega Valley this week; however, rain is forecast over the weekend.
- Farmers are busy in the Bega Valley making silage this week. There is plenty of grass growth in the region. Rivers and creeks are flowing again, and farmers have water allocations.
- While demand has eased, there is a steady demand in the Bega Valley. Farmers are still needing to purchase feed to supplement diets. Many farmers are trying to minimise purchases. 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.
- Cereal hay prices have eased this week.
- Cereal hay: -$20 ($430 to $480/t). Prices have eased 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
- Rain fell in the Goulburn Valley late last week, with areas recording between 35 and 75mm of rainfall. Since then there has been no rainfall recorded.
- There is plenty of green pick in the region following some good rainfall. Farmers are making the most of the moisture in the soil and are busy sowing crops this week.
- Demand has eased in the region but is still strong. A lot more hay is coming onto the market from verbal contracts that have been cancelled and it easier to find quality feed. It has been reported that many truck drivers have also lowered their fees.
- Prices changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: -$10 ($280 to $340/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Lucerne hay: +$50 ($550 to $700/t). Prices have firmed this week.
- Straw: -$15 ($90 to $140/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Pasture hay: -$35 ($300 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.
Gippsland
- Some light scattered rain fell in Gippsland this week. Mornings have been cool and damp in the region.
- Gippsland is green and the grass is growing. Some farmers have sown crops with the late rains in the MID. There are farmers in the region making silage this week and some are making lucerne hay.
- Demand is slow in Gippsland, there is minimal hay moving in the region. A lot of pasture was made in south Gippsland. There was not much cereal hay made in the region this season. Cereal hay and straw prices quoted are for hay to be carted into the region.
- Price changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +$10 ($280 to $340/t). Prices have firmed this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($550 to $650/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($150 to $200/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +$20 ($180 to $240/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 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
- Little bits of drizzle fell over southwest Victoria this week, but no substantial rainfall has been recorded. Light, patchy rain, is forecast for later in the week.
- Southwest Victoria is green and there is plenty of pick around in the region. Farmers are getting ready for their spraying programs.
- Demand is quiet in southwest Victoria. The region has had a good season, and most have enough hay to cover themselves. It is reported that there are farmers holding onto their supplies, waiting to sell in winter. Hay prices quoted are from local and surrounding regions such as the Wimmera.
- Pasture hay prices have firmed this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($250 to $300/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: +$5 ($180 to $230/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.
Southeast South Australia
- While there has been no rainfall in southeast South Australia, some days have been humid, and the nights are cold and wet.
- Farmers are busy with their summer spraying program. Lucerne is still being made in the region but conditions are difficult and it is taking a long time to dry.
- Demand has gone quiet in southeast South Australia. There is a lot of straw on the market and farmers are eager to move this. There is more hay available on the market after some farmers have broken verbal contracts. There is little pasture hay on the market, with most of this moved early in the season.
- Price changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: -$20 ($270 to $300/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Lucerne hay: -$35 ($380 to $500/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Straw: -$15 ($100 to $140/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-0 ($200 to $250/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
- It has been a dry week in central South Australia, with no rainfall recorded in the region.
- Farmers are busy with maintenance in the central South Australia this week. It is reported that there are farmers in the region who are panic selling.
- Demand is quiet central South Australia. There is hay out in the paddock that has been rained on and lost its colour but are not damaged, and many farmers are trying to move this. There was a lot of frost damaged crops turned to hay in the region and many farmers are trying to move this as well. Lucerne hay is being sourced from southeast South Australia.
- Prices changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: -$50 ($220 to $320/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Lucerne hay: +$15 ($400 to $480/t). Prices have firmed this week.
- Straw: +$10 ($120 to $170/t). Prices have firmed this week.
- Please note unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, sourced and delivered locally. The price range indicated is for feeds of varying quality with the price range generally indicative of quality of feed. We recommend feed testing and viewing of fodder before purchase to be sure of the quality of feed.
Southwest Western Australia
- It was a dry, hot week in southwest Western Australia, with no rainfall recorded in the region. Light rain is forecast for the weekend.
- Some farmers in Western Australia are preparing for sowing. Many are completing their summer spraying programs. It has been reported that many farmers are holding back and are being conservative after a poor year last year.
- Domestic demand is steady at best in southwest Western Australia. Some farmers are now trying to move excess cereal hay. Straw, lucerne, and pasture are difficult to source. There is limited carryover from previous years.
- Cereal hay prices have eased this week.
- Cereal hay: -$10 ($320 to $350/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($450 to $490). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($120 to 140/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-0 ($200 to $220/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
- The sun has been shining in northwest Tasmania, with no rainfall recorded this week. Rain is forecast to fall over the weekend.
- The grass is still growing in northwest Tasmania and the region is green. Farmers are still making hay and straw in the region.
- Demand while strong, has eased in northwest Tasmania. Demand is largely coming from outside the region such as the east coast and the midlands. 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.