Hay Report – 1 May 2020

1 May 2020 | Hay Reports

National Summary

  • This past week has again brought some much-needed rain to Southwest Victoria and Southeast South Australia. Northern Victoria and southern NSW saw widespread heavy rainfall.
  • The eastern states are still continuing to look green and the grass continues to grow. Grazing oats and wheat are doing exceptionally well and are still being grazed successfully.
  • Milder temperatures are starting to be felt in the Darling Downs, inland NSW and Victoria. This will see the end of the silage season in these parts.
  • Bega sadly still heavily affected by the dry. The Darling Downs and Southwest Western Australia looking for decent rainfall in the coming weeks.
  • Sowing for next season is well underway for all areas of Australia now. With South Australia and Western Australia joining in this week.
  • Much discussion this week on COVID-19 and the ripple effect. Concerns over the live export and also the consumption of meat locally while the hospitality industry is still in lockdown. Will the demand for hay into our feedlots slow because of this and how long will it take to recover.
  • The main theme this week across the whole country is hay movement is ‘slow’ with very little demand. There is not a lot of noncontractual hay moving at the moment either and many farmers are still trying to get out of contracts. It is becoming easier to source high-grade hay.
  • The market has eased in many parts this week. Straw is in abundance and with no real movement to report it has significantly come back in price for most areas.
  • 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 and chopped silage.
  • 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

  • 11mls of rain was the highest amount recorded over the weekend, but the Tablelands continue to receive showers on and off as the week progressed.
  • The Atherton Tablelands still remain very green. Any opportunity to make hay is taken, primarily seeing Rhodes Grass put into the bail. Grass seed is also being harvested in the area at present.
  • Demand remains slow in the Atherton Tablelands. With plenty of green feed in the area, there is less hay moving from the region. With the start of the dry season some of the stations have started mustering. Requests for hay for weaners have been coming through, but this is still very slow.
  • It has been reported that dairy farmers are wanting to build up their silage stores and are paying approximately $60w/t standing.
  • Pasture hay: +/-($230 to $280/t). Prices remain steady this week and we shouldn’t expect to see this price come back any further.
  • 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 report again in the Darling Downs this past week. A possible front is expected this weekend, decent falls would be greatly welcomed but will also make it difficult for those with late crops.
  • Many are chopping sorghum silage and with the season being much later they are desperate to get this done before conditions bring an abrupt end to it. The weekend is expected to bring very low overnight temperatures as well.
  • 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 sorghum and grass. Cereal hay, lucerne, and straw, are being sourced outside the region.
  • If there continues to be no decent rain in the coming months to produce the pastures needed, we will see an increase in demand over the winter period.
  • Price changes have been reported this week for cereal, lucerne and straw, with pasture remaining steady.
  • Cereal hay: -$25 ($360 to $420/t). Prices have eased this week.
  • Lucerne hay: -$75 ($450 to $500/t). Prices have eased this week.
  • Straw: -$130 ($150 to $200/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.

North Coast NSW

  • Up to 20mls of rain has been reported in some areas over the last week. Mostly coastal rain and this has been patchy. Farmers are continuing to seed, including oats for new season hay crops. The North Coast is currently experiencing warm days, but the situation is feeling really quite idyllic with good moisture still being reported following on from the improved weather patterns over the last few months.
  • Plenty of green feed still available, demand continues to be quiet in north coast NSW. It has been reported many farmers have hay supplies in their sheds still. Cereal hay, straw, and lucerne prices quoted are for supplies to be carted into the region.
  • Prices have come back now for straw and lucerne with pasture remaining steady. It is hard to gauge an exact price on cereal hay in the area as there really is little to no trade at present.
  • Cereal hay: +/-0 ($400 to $450/t). Prices remain steady this week.
  • Lucerne hay: -$125 ($400 to $450/t). Prices have eased this week.
  • Straw: -$75 ($100 to $150/t). Prices have eased 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

  • The area has reported good widespread rain over the last couple of days, up to 46mls.
  • Central west NSW is green, and the grass is still providing plenty of feed. Grazing oats and wheat continue to do well, and it will be interesting to see what will come of this towards the end of winter. The last cut of lucerne is going into silage now, this will be it as it’s becoming too wet and cold.
  • Many farmers have finished seeding oats and vetch for new season hay and have moved onto grain crops.
  • Demand is very quiet in central west. It has been reported that many have hay in their sheds. Most hay in the region has moved and any feed is being sourced from Victoria and South Australia. Cereal hay and straw prices have been sourced from outside the region.
  • Good quality irrigated lucerne is still asking $800/t.
  • Only price change to report this week is straw. All other prices remain steady.
  • 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: -$140 ($100 to $150/t). Prices have eased 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

  • Very little rain has fallen in the Bega area this week with the highest recorded amount around 8mls on Wednesday evening. The area continues to be quite dry and are desperate for 4-5 inches of good soaking rain.
  • The grass that did come up hasn’t had the moisture to push it along. Farmers were able to make small amounts of silage earlier in the autumn, but a dry winter will make it difficult.
  • Demand remains quiet in the Bega Valley. Again, 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.
  • Only price change to report this week is straw. All other prices remain steady.
  • Cereal hay: -$40 ($350 to $400/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 had substantial and widespread rain over the last couple of days with reports of 60-80mls across the area.
  • The Goulburn Valley is green, and growth is good in the region. Seeding has been well underway but will see this held up for a short period of time depending on how quickly the water gets away. Overall the area continues to be very positive following a great autumn break.
  • Enquiry is slow, there is no hay moving from the region compared to 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, lucerne and straw prices have eased this week. Pasture hay remains steady.
  • Cereal hay: -$45 ($190 to $220/t). Prices have eased this week.
  • Lucerne hay: -$60 ($450 to $500/t). Prices have eased this week.
  • Straw: -$25 ($80 to $100/t). Prices have eased 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

  • Gippsland has received 20-30mls this week and are forecast for more this weekend.
  • 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 received very welcome rain again this week with areas recording around 30ml’s and still falling.
  • Rainfall over the last two weeks will see seeding in full swing this coming week. Follow up rain will be needed to keep the season heading in the right direction.  
  • 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.
  • Cereal hay, pasture and straw prices have eased this week. Lucerne hay remains steady.
  • Cereal hay: -$10 ($240 to $280/t). Prices have eased this week.
  • Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($500 to $600/t). Prices remain steady this week.
  • Straw: -$30 ($80 to $100/t). Prices have eased this week.
  • Pasture hay: -$30 ($150 to $180/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

  • Good rainfall has been reported in the Southeast with most parts recording 20-30mls.
  • Some farmers did start dry sowing, but the recent falls over the last two weeks will enable them to confidently carry on and for others to get started in the next few days.
  • Demand remains flat 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.
  • 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

  • Significant rainfall has occurred over the past week with some places reporting over 70ml’s.
  • Most farmers are approximately halfway through sowing now and are enjoying the good autumn break.
  • Demand remains quiet in central South Australia. There has been no real movement since the first rain episode. 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. Any stocks of vetch have now been depleted.
  • Prices have come back this week for straw and cereal hay, while lucerne remains steady.
  • Cereal hay: -$58 ($200 to $225/t). Prices have eased this week.
  • Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($400 to $480/t). Prices remain steady this week.
  • Straw: -$30 ($90 to $140/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

  • The Southwest is holding on, it’s felt they are still in a much better place then twelve months ago. They are looking towards next week now for possible rain.
  • Seeding is well underway but good widespread rainfall is really needed to improve the current outlook. Even once rain is received it will be a good 3-4 weeks before the pressure will ease off.
  • There is a lot of farmers opting to plant lupins this year as a good rotational crop providing nitrogen back into the soil. There has been recent success with new varieties that are more disease resistant.
  • 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

  • Much remains the same in northwest Tasmania with showery rain continuing over most parts.
  • Northwest Tasmania remains green and the grass continues to be plentiful.
  • 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.