National Summary
- Last week brought much needed rain to some regions of South Australia. While giving other areas throughout Victoria a break to allow seeding of new season crops to continue. Tasmania again received light rainfall across the north.
- The eastern states are still continuing to look green and the grass continues to grow with temperatures in the early twenties throughout most parts of New South Wales and Victoria. Grazing oats and wheat are doing well and have been grazed successfully.
- Sowing for next season is well underway for most parts of Australia now. For those that haven’t started in South Australia and Western Australia they will look to start this coming weekend. Rain is precited for South Australia, Victoria and Southern New South Wales this Sunday and also midweek.
- Much discussion this week on opening milk prices and thinking ahead to how this may impact on our market.
- Enquiry remains slow. There is not a lot of noncontractual hay moving at the moment and many farmers are still trying to get out of contracts. It is becoming easier to source high-grade hay.
- The market remained fairly steady this week with changes only reported in the Atherton Tablelands.
- 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
- There has been good continued rainfall over much of southern Australia and seeding of new season crops is well underway.
- 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 past 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
- Heavy rain has accrued closer to the coast in the past week, but the Tablelands continue to be plagued by showers. Which have been more of a hinderance and making it difficult to get sufficient drying time.
- The Atherton Tablelands still remain very green.
- Demand remains slow in the Atherton Tablelands. With plenty of green feed in the area, there is less hay moving from the region.
- Pasture hay: -$20 ($250 to $280/t). Prices have again come back this week and have approximately dropped by $20/t to last 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
- No rain to record in the Darling Downs this past week.
- The area is still holding green feed well and there is plenty of moisture. Continuation of showers will see this feed carry on.
- Demand remains quiet in the Darling Downs. Not much hay is moving in the region, and a lot of what is being made is for personal use, such as forage sorgum and grass. Cereal hay, lucerne, and straw, are being sourced outside the region.
- 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
- After a good break of around 40” of rain for year to date the season is looking much more promising. Farmers are now in full swing with seeding and enjoying a break in the weather this week.
- Plenty of green feed still available, demand is quiet in north coast NSW. It has been reported many farmers have hay supplies in their sheds still. Some movement of silage has been noted in the area. Not much hay has been made in the region and local supplies are light. 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
- Rain is forecast now for the coming week. It’s hoped they could see 15-20mls, if this is to fall it will keep things moving along nicely.
- Central West NSW is green, and the grass is still providing plenty of good pick. Grazing oats and wheat have been a huge success and have carried through due to good moisture, recording heights of 10-12 inches. Early barley that has gone to head has been made into silage in the last week. Farmers are seeding now and are including vetch as one of their planting choices this season. Lucerne farmers who had lost but all of their stalks due to the drought are happy to report that the new seeding has seen great results thus far.
- Demand is quiet in central west. It has been reported that many have hay in their sheds. 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.
- No price changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($360 to $400/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($420 to $460/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($250 to $280/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-0 ($160 to $200/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
- Despite the good rainfall seen over the Easter period the area has returned to being quite dry.
- The grass that did come up hasn’t had the moisture to push it along. Farmers in the area have only been able to take the one cut from their kikuyu.
- Showers are expected for the coming week and will see the daytime temperatures drop from the low 20’s down to around 14 degrees.
- Demand remains quiet in the Bega Valley. Farmers are trying to make as much feed as they can for themselves and get by with what they have. 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.
- No price changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($400 to $430/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($600 to $650/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($200 to $230/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
- The GV have a had a good break in the weather this week following on from great widespread falls.
- The Goulburn Valley is green, and growth is good in the region. Seeding is well under way now and crops such as barley and canola are currently being planted. The area is forecast for more rain in the coming week so the rush will be on to get the final plantings away.
- Enquiry has picked up a little in the Goulburn Valley but, this is marginal. There is a lot less hay moving from the region than a couple of months ago. Loads have continued into the Cooma area due to the dry still being felt in those parts. This has included canola hay.
- Cereal hay and lurcerne prices are steady this week.
- Cereal hay: -40 ($220 to $280/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Lucerne hay: -15 ($420 to $650/t). Prices have eased 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
- It has been a dryer week for Gippsland, still wet but they have had a break from the rain. More rain forecast for this Sunday and the middle of next week.
- The grass continues to grow in Gippsland and there is plenty of green feed available. Most new season pastures have been sown now. This is down on previous years as the season has been so good. Pastures have carried over and there hasn’t been as much demand for regeneration. Plenty of fertiliser still going out at the moment as well.
- Demand remains quiet in Gippsland. A lot of pasture hay and silage was made in south Gippsland. It was reported on farm personal silage stocks are good and no real movement of fodder in the area. 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
- Southwest Victoria have experienced medium falls this past week. Rain is predicted for the coming week as well.
- Seeding is now well underway of pastures and cereal crops. Follow up rain in the coming weeks will be welcomed to retain the moisture level.
- Local demand remains steady in southwest Victoria. The region has had a good season and has now experienced an autumn break. 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
- Moderate showers have fallen in the area and more rain has been forecast for the coming seven days.
- It is felt they are away now, and the autumn break is slowly reaching them. Some farmers did start dry sowing, but the recent falls will see a lot more farmers start.
- 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. Anything that has been stored undercover will continue to hold a better price. There may be a shift in the market, which will see prices for the Southeast start to come back next week.
- 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
- Rain has been recorded today with some areas receiving 12mls and others more significant falls of up to 35mls.
- With decent rainfall now falling in these parts and follow up rain on the horizon for the coming week those that dry sowed anything are feeling some relief. Majority of seeding will be well under way once the next weather event has passed through.
- Demand remains quiet in central South Australia, with most demand being local. There is hay out in the paddock that hasbeen 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
- Despite some good rain full around areas such as Esperance and also the top of the wheat belt there are areas still waiting on a much-needed Autumn break.
- Seeding is well underway but good widespread rainfall is needed to improve the current outlook.
- Domestic demand has slowed 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
- It continues to be wet and drizzly in northwest Tasmania. More rain expected this week and heavier falls around Wednesday.
- Northwest Tasmania remains green and the grass continues to grow.
- Demand has picked up a little in northwest Tasmania. Demand is largely coming from outside the region. 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.