National Commentary
- All remains quiet on the market this week. While there is still a little bit of demand coming from some areas in NSW and Queensland, this continues to slow. For most regions along the east coast, demand has almost stopped.
- There is plenty of green feed available in many of the regions along the east coast. In regions such as north coast NSW, getting a break in the weather to make feed has proved difficult, and much of the green feed has passed its prime. Some in the region were fortunate enough this week to get onto the paddock and start making silage. Even parts of Gippsland have a surplus of green feed and are making hay, which is unusual for this time of year.
- With so much green feed in some regions along the east coast, farmers are busy turning this into hay or silage. Farmers are trying to make as much feed as they can for themselves. Much of the eastern regions have good soil moisture so farmers have sown, or are sowing, cereal crops. Farmers are hoping to graze these crops through the winter before locking them up to make hay.
- There is little hay moving. With so much green feed available, there is a decreased need for hay. Farmers continue to back out of verbal agreements, and, cancel loads of hay. With this there is more hay on the market, and it has become easier to buy higher-grade hay.
- Prices remained steady this week for most regions, with price changes only being noted in southwest Victoria 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
- 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
- Patchy rain fell in the Atherton Tablelands this week.
- Hay was made this week in the Atherton Tablelands; however, for some, heavy rains fell before it was in a bale, damaging the hay.
- Demand is slow 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
- The sun has been shining this week in the Darling Downs. No rainfall has been recorded in the region.
- Farmers have been making the most of the fine weather and have been busy making hay this week. The region is green and there is plenty of feed.
- 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.
- It has been reported that there is forage sorghum hay in the region available from $160/t on farm.
- 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
- Patchy rain continues to fall in north coast NSW. For some, a break in the rain came on Tuesday which is forecast to persist until the end of the week.
- Farmers who have a break from the rain are making the most of this weather window and are making silage. The weather window is not long enough for hay making. For some, the ground is still too wet to make feed. There is plenty of green feed around and a lot of crops have passed their prime.
- With plenty of green feed available, demand is quiet 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
- Scattered rain fell in central west NSW on Sunday with some areas recording 20mm of rainfall, while others recorded none. No rain has fallen in the region since.
- There is a lot of green pick in parts of the region and some farmers are making hay with this. This is largely for personal use. Some farmers this week have cut lucerne. A lot of early oats have been sown in the region. It is hoped stock will be able to graze this before it is locked up.
- Demand continues to slow in the region, however, remains present. 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.
- No price changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($360 to $400/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($650 to $700/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($250 to $280/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.
Bega Valley
- After a light drizzle on the weekend, it has been dry and sunny in the Bega Valley. These conditions are forecast to persist for the rest of the week.
- There is a lot of feed in the Bega Valley and farmers are making the most of this. Silage continues to be made with some are even making hay. Oats, barley, and rye grasses are being sod seeded in the region.
- Demand has gone quiet in the Bega Valley. There is a lot of feed in the region and farmers are trying to get by with what they have. Hay continues to be donated to fire affected parts of the region. The prices quoted are for hay and straw to be carted into the region.
- No price changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($430 to $480/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 fell in the Goulburn Valley on Saturday, with some recording 10mm, while others only recorded a light drizzle. No rain has fallen in the region since.
- Farmers in the Goulburn Valley continue to sow rye grasses and early cereal crops. Water prices have significantly dropped in the region which help farmers irrigate annual grasses.
- Demand continues to ease in the region. There is a lot less hay moving from the region, however large quantities are still moving from the region. 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.
- No prices changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($280 to $340/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($550 to $700/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($90 to $140/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-0 ($300 to $380/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 last weekend. Little rain has fallen in the region since.
- There are still some farmers in Gippsland making hay and silage. Grass growth is good in the region and there is plenty of green feed in the region.
- Demand is quiet in Gippsland, there is minimal hay moving in the region. A lot of pasture was, and continues to be, 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.
- No price changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($280 to $340/t). Prices remain steady 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: +/-0 ($180 to $240/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
- It was a warm, dry week in southwest Victoria. Temperatures reached into the 30s this week.
- Southwest Victoria has dried off a little; however, there is still plenty of green feed in the region, with most farmers only needing to supplement feed.
- Demand remains 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.
- Cereal hay, straw, and, pasture hay prices have eased this week.
- Cereal hay: -5 ($240 to $300/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($500 to $600/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: -25 ($100 to $140/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Pasture hay: -10 ($160 to $230/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 was a dry, sunny week in southeast South Australia. Temperatures reached into their mid-30s this week.
- Southeast South Australia is in need of some decent rainfall. Graziers are feeding in the region. Farmers have been busy this week with their summer spraying programs.
- Demand remains 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.
- It has been reported there is vetch available in the region from $350/t.
- No price changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($270 to $300/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($380 to $500/t). Prices remain steady. this week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($100 to $140/t). Prices remain steady 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 was another dry week in central South Australia, with no rainfall recorded in the region. Temperatures reached into the 30s this week.
- Central South Australia is dry and there is little growth in the region. Farmers are busy spraying and spreading this week, getting the ground ready for next season.
- Demand remains 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.
- No prices changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($220 to $320/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($400 to $480/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($120 to $170/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
- Patchy rain fell in southwest Western Australia this week with some recording over 40mm, while others recorded 15mm.
- There is a green tinge in southwest Western Australia and a bit of green pick available.
- Domestic demand remains steady in southwest Western Australia. Many are trying to get by on what feed they have. Straw, lucerne, and pasture are difficult to source. There is limited carryover from previous years.
- Cereal hay prices have firmed this week.
- Cereal hay: $10 ($320 to $370/t). Prices have firmed 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
- After some rainfall over the weekend, the sun has been shining in northwest Tasmania. Thursday brought light rain to the region.
- Farmers continue to make hay in northwest Tasmania. The is plenty of feed in the region.
- Demand remains steady 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.