Hay Report – 15 May 2020

National Summary

• Central West NSW, Southern NSW and most parts of Victoria continue to enjoy ideal conditions for winter seeding. Some rainfall is forecast this coming week. These areas are also starting to experience consistent cooler days, and this will see the green feed that has been so good start to burn off.
• Bega sadly still heavily affected by the dry and the Darling Downs looking for good rainfall as it starts to dry out with no follow up rain since March.
• Southwest Western Australia too are looking for decent rainfall within the next fortnight. There start has been much slower due to limited rain but still more positive then this time last year.
• Many parts of Australia have reported above average rainfall for April and wonder if this will be a repeated pattern for the coming months as we head into Winter.
• Sowing for next season is happening in all areas of Australia now. With South Australia and Western Australia now well underway.
• Much discussion still this week again on COVID-19 and the ripple effect as we tick off another week and see some restrictions start to ease. Again agriculture still able to continue on as normal within reason.
• It really is hard to gage accurate prices as there is little to no trade of hay across the whole country. Thoughts on new season fodder if we continue to have such great conditions is there could potentially be a great deal of hay on the market and where will it leave pricing.
• We don’t expect demand to increase until the southern parts feel the effects of winter when cattle producers will look for more roughage.
• Prices have remained steady 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. Unfortunately, Atherton Tablelands season continues to be plagued by light showers and many overcast days, making it very difficult to get anything in the bail.
• 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.

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 completing backed off.
• 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.

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 domestic cereal hay on the market, but it’s deemed too expensive.
• 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.
• With a break now being felt across the area after widespread rainfall some confidence of it being a better season has started to return. Continued decent rainfall will still be needed to keep the West out of trouble.

Regional Commentary

Atherton Tablelands

• Approximately 13mls of rain has fallen across the Tablelands in the last seven days. Any haymaking or seed harvest has ground to a halt with persistent overcast days and heavy dews.
• The Atherton Tablelands still remain very green. Primarily seeing rhodes grass being made into hay when the weather is co-operating. Grass seed continues to be harvested in the area as well.
• Demand remains slow in the area, there is less hay moving from the region at present.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($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

• Rain is forecast towards the end of the month and will be most welcome with things starting to dry out after the good rain in March. Irrigation is being widely used to get cereal crops up and going.
• Following the March rain some millet was planted and is currently being bailed and has been relatively successful. Others planted mung beans are these are doing well but will be a much later crop.
• Weaner numbers are down following the extended dry so there won’t be as bigger demand for feed to carry those through.
• 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. Good quality irrigated lucerne hay is still in high demand from the Gatton area and the stores of these are very low. Lucerne will be cut again within month and will sell as quickly as it’s made. Good quality irrigated lucerne is making as much as $900/t.
• Prices remain steady this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($360 to $420/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($450 to $500/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($150 to $200/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

• No significant rain to report for the last week and the weather has become a lot milder. Farmers are continuing to seed, including oats, vetch and barley for new season hay crops. The earlier crops are now also being fertilised.
• Some growers are offering early sown oats for grazing agistment. There is not a lot of stock around, cattle producers are only carrying 30% of what they would normally have.
• There is still green feed, but this is starting to burn off with the cooler weather. Demand continues to be quiet in North Coast NSW. There has been a small amount of movement for people wanting good quality feed for weaners. Cereal hay, straw, and lucerne prices quoted are for supplies to be carted into the region.
• Prices remain steady this week. 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: +/-0 ($400 to $450/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($100 to $150/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.

Central West NSW

• It has been a dry week for the Central West, and many are only just getting back into seeding after about seven days break following the great follow up rain.
• The area is still nice and green, and the grass will still be ok for another few weeks before it burns off with the cold weather.
• Many farmers have finished seeding oats and vetch for new season hay and have moved onto grain crops. Still a little early for sowing wheat, it’s about two weeks away from going in the ground. They are approximately halfway through the seeding season and with such a good break there continues to be many dual crops being planted including canola for grazing.
• With the dams still being low the allocation isn’t there and lucerne growers especially are nervous to sell the last of their good stocks encase they don’t have the continued rainfall.
• Demand is very quiet in Central West at present but expect that it will increase in the coming months once the cold sets in and grasses are no longer there.
• Good quality irrigated lucerne is still asking $650/t.
• All 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: +/-0 ($100 to $150/t). Prices remain 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

• Bega area continues to be quite dry and are desperate for that 4-5 inches of good soaking rain. Unfortunately, no real rain to report again in the area and the forecast for the next week isn’t looking promising.
• Farmers were able to make small amounts of silage earlier in the autumn, but a dry winter will make it difficult. The long-range outlook is not looking great for this area especially as we head into the colder months.
• Demand remains quiet in the Bega Valley. Again, farmers are trying to get by with what they have. The prices quoted are for hay and straw to be carted into the region.
• All prices remain steady this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($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 Goulburn Murray have had another week of perfect conditions for winter seeding. Less than 10ml’s of rain fell in parts over the weekend.
• Much cooler days and some light frosts have fallen in the area. With the start of Winter still over two weeks away the need for good quality roughage for cattle producers may be much sooner this season.
• The valley is still very green, and growth is good in the region. Fertiliser is also going out on new season pastures.
• Enquiry is slow, there is no hay moving from the region compared to a couple of months ago.
• All prices remain steady this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($190 to $220/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($330 to $400/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($80 to $100/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

• Gippsland has had a relatively dry seven days, with some parts recording light falls.
• The grass continues to grow in Gippsland and there is plenty of green feed available. Most new season pastures have been sown now. Seeding of cereal crops is underway, these will be gazed in the coming months or carried through for new season hay.
• The chopping of corn is still pushing on but it’s becoming much harder now to finish off the season.
• Demand remains quiet in Gippsland. A lot of pasture hay and silage was made in south Gippsland. 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.

Southwest Victoria

• Southwest Victoria have had a dryer week with no real rainfall to report. Ideal conditions still for the continuation of cropping.
• Local farmers are around three quarters of the way through sowing, with oats and canola being a common inclusion to planting rotations this year. Nitrogen feeding has also started this past week.
• 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.
• Prices remain steady this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($240 to $280/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($500 to $600/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($80 to $100/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($150 to $180/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

• Again, Southeast South Australia have received enough rain to keep things ticking over nicely. Still ideal conditions for new season cropping with everything not being super wet.
• Farmers who started their program with dry sowing are coming towards the end of seeding. Those that held off are about halfway, with small seed crops in the ground now and moving onto cereals.
• Demand remains flat in southeast South Australia. There has been some nervous selling potentially feeling that any old and damaged stocks need to be moved before a flood of new season hay comes onto the market in the spring. Demand will creep up as it does for most areas when feed is needed to carry over stock during the cold months.
• There have been reports of mice coming out from the paddocks looking for warmth and feed. Attacking grain stores in sheds that have only been set aside for a short period waiting to be planted. This may also be the reason for the push to move hay stocks at a reduced price.
• 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

• Central South Australia have received small showers over the last week and are looking for good follow up rain within the next fortnight.
• Seeding is in full swing with grain grower’s planting wheat and barley for the coming summer harvest. Oats for new season hay which for many growers in this area will be grown and bailed for export. Most growers are running their normal sized cropping program this season. Some additions for extra sheep feed to store for personal use.
• The past week has seen a small amount of vetch and cereal heading to the Flinders area for calving cattle.
• 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.
• No changes in pricing to note this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($200 to $225/t). Prices have remained steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($400 to $480/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/- ($90 to $140/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

• There has been no follow up rain in the west following the large storm front that came through nearly two weeks ago.
• There is still good moisture but with warm days of around 30 degrees at present, good follow up rain is really required within the next two weeks.
• The wheat belt is busy with winter plantings of oats and wheat for new season hay. While the Margaret River area has been updating pastures with rye and clover plantings.
• Domestic demand has slowed in Southwest Western Australia. Many are trying to get by on what feed they have as domestic prices are felt to be just too expensive. 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

• Things are looking very promising for Northwest Tasmania with a great start to the season and above average rainfall the optimism for a good season at the other end is high.
• Northwest Tasmania remains green and the grass continues to still be plentiful for grazing stock in the area.
• Seeding is slowing off now as it’s getting to wet and cold. Despite COVID-19 circumstances putting a stop to horse events and other shows alike there has still been a demand for the small square market.
• Demand for hay will increase in the next six to eight weeks with the continued wet and cold especially for those calving cattle in. Growers who had clients that didn’t take all of their contracted hay are happy to have those stocks still as they will easily move these stores in the coming months.
• 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.