National Summary
- Rain fell in many of the regions this week, with some getting more than others. Decent rain fell in parts of NSW, Victoria, and Tasmania. South Australia has missed out on much of the rain that has fallen over the eastern states in the last few weeks, and remains dry. Some regions that received good amounts of rainfall weeks ago, such as Bega and the Darling Downs, are starting to dry out.
- Many farmers are getting ready for the season ahead including preparing the soil and finishing spraying programs. In parts of central west NSW and the Goulburn Valley, rain this week helped early sown crops and have given farmers more confidence in the season ahead. For many it is the first year in a while that they will not be dry sowing crops. While in central South Australia, at present it looks like farmers will be dry sowing again this year.
- While farmers are getting ready for the season ahead, feed continues to be made in both the northern and southern regions. Some southern regions have seen their season extended. Many farmers are trying to make as much feed as they can for themselves, before it gets too cold.
- The market remains mostly quiet with only a little bit of enquiry coming in. Most hay that is moving is contractual. There is new enquiry and movement occurring in central west NSW, the Goulburn Valley, Gippsland and southwest Victoria. Most of the northern region markets remain quiet.
- With the market remaining quiet we are seeing little change in price. Price changes were only noted in central west NSW and Bega this week.
- 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
- Little bits of rain continue to fall in the Atherton Tablelands. While there has not been a lot of rain falling, it has been enough to halt activity.
- Farmers are waiting for a break in the weather to make hay. There is feed on the ground that has had continual rainfall and will not make mulch.
- 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
- Light rain fell in the Darling Downs on Wednesday, interrupting the dry sunny conditions. There was not much in this rain, with Toowoomba only recording about 1mm. More rain is forecast for Saturday.
- Farmers are busy making hay this week, largely forage sorghum and grasses. The region has dried out and is in need of some decent rainfall.
- 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. Not much hay is moving in the region, and a lot of what is being made is for personal use. 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 ($380 to $450/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($500 to $600/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($280 to $330/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.
North Coast NSW
- Patchy rain continues to fall in north coast NSW. Some in the region have experienced another break in the rain.
- Those who have been able to, are busy making hay and silage this week. Late sown crops are looking to make good feed, but earlier sown crops have passed their prime. It is uncertain as to whether farmers in the region will get another cut in before winter.
- With plenty of green feed available, demand is quiet in north coast NSW. It has been reported many farmers have hay supplies in their sheds from previous purchases. 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
- Patchy rain fell in central west NSW over Monday and Tuesday with parts of the region recording between 10mm and 50mm of rainfall.
- Rain has been welcomed by farmers which has helped some crops which were struggling in parts of the region. The grass is growing in central west NSW and the region is looking green. There are some farmers in the region making lucerne and rye grass hay this week.
- Demand has slowed in central west NSW, however, there is still a steady stream of enquiry coming in. Most hay in the region has moved and feed is being sourced from Victoria and South Australia. Cereal hay and straw prices have been sourced from outside the region.
- Lucerne and pasture hay prices have eased this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($360 to $400/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: -160 ($420 to $460/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($250 to $280/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: -105 ($160 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.
Bega Valley
- Light rain fell in Bega this week with the region recording about 2mm of rainfall.
- Farmers continue to make silage in the Bega Valley. Dryland pastures need some decent rainfall but pastures and crops are looking good for those with irrigation water.
- Demand remains 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.
- It has been reported there is silage available in the region from $80/bale on farm.
- It has been reported that vetch can be delivered to the region from $500/t.
- Price changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: -40 ($400 to $430/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Lucerne hay: -50 ($600 to $650/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Straw: -60 ($200 to $230/t). Prices have eased 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 with some areas recording about 20mm while others recorded about 1mm.
- Rains have soaked soils for some in the Goulburn Valley. Some farmers have started their sowing program and will be in full swing next week.
- Demand is steady in the Goulburn Valley. 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.
- No price changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($250 to $330/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($450 to $650/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($90 to $140/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-0 ($250 to $330/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 on Monday in Gippsland with the parts of the region recording between 1mm and 10mm of rainfall.
- While parts of Gippsland have started to dry a little there is still green feed around.
- Demand is slow in Gippsland but bits of hay have started moving in the region. A lot of pasture hay 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.
- 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
- Light rain fell on Monday in southwest Victoria. More rain is forecast for the rest of the week.
- There is a little bit of green pick in the region, but there is not much of this. Farmers are relying on hand feeding in the region.
- Local demand remains steady in southwest Victoria. The region has had a good season however the region has dried out. Hay prices quoted are from local and surrounding regions such as the Wimmera.
- No price changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($240 to $300/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($500 to $600/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($100 to $140/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-0 ($160 to $230/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
- Little bits of drizzle fell over southeast South Australia this week but was not enough to wet the soil. Light rain is forecast for the rest of the week.
- Southeast South Australia remains dry and is in need of some decent rainfall. There is little green feed in the region.
- 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
- Light drizzle fell in central South Australia this week. Light rain is forecast for the rest of the week but there is not much in this.
- Central South Australia is dry. Farmers started dry sowing crops this week, with some sowing canola and vetch.
- 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
- Light rain fell over the weekend in southwest Western Australia. A hot week is forecast for next week
- Farmers in southwest Western Australia are finishing spraying programs and getting the ground ready for next seasons crops.
- Domestic demand remains steady in southwest Western Australia. Many are trying to get by on what feed they have. There is very little hay or straw left that is not spoken for in Western Australia. Straw, lucerne, and pasture are difficult to source. There is limited carryover from previous years.
- No price changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($320 to $370/t). Prices remain steady 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
- Sunday and Monday brought rain to northwest Tasmania with the parts of the region recording between 20mm and 40mm of rainfall. Much of the state received decent rainfall this week.
- The grass continues to grow in northwest Tasmania and the region is green. Some in the region continue to make silage.
- 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.