National Summary
- Central West NSW, Southern NSW and most parts of Victoria continue to enjoy a fantastic winter seeding time. Some rainfall is forecast this coming week. These areas are also starting to experience winterlike conditions, and this will see the green feed that has been so good burn off. Demand is expected to lift in approximately six weeks when cattle and dairy farmers look too good roughage to carry calving stock through the colder months.
- Bega sadly still heavily affected by the dry and the Darling Downs looking for good rainfall as it starts to dry out with no significant follow up rain since March.
- Southwest Western Australia too are looking for good ongoing rainfall to guarantee a decent season at the other end. 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. Tasmania especially are reporting a much wetter season and are preparing for potentially a long, wet Winter.
- Much discussion still this week again on COVID-19 and the ripple effect this time turning to our labour workforce. We so heavily reply on overseas workers in all sectors of agriculture. With international boarders expected to be closed still for some time, how will this gap be overcome.
- The theme across the whole country is “no demand and no movement”. By no means is this a negative scenario rather a period of time where everyone and everything is taking the opportunity to realign itself into hopefully a traditional season of supply and demand. Thoughts on new season fodder if we continue to have such great conditions is there could potentially be a great deal of good quality hay across all states.
- 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 and some areas reaching completion.
- With a good widespread Autumn break the demand for hay to northern parts is no longer required. Green feed has been in abundance and early sown crops a huge success creating a secondary income in the form of agistment.
- 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 still exist in SA and potentially a flood of quality new season hay will cause a rush to offload some of previous seasons stores.
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
- The Tablelands received 19mls a week ago and a cold change, with overnight temperatures getting down as low as 6 degrees.
- The Atherton Tablelands still remain very green and the recent rain has freshened up the feed. With a dry week they have been able to return to bailing rhodes grass and many are chopping corn for silage. Heavy dews and slow drying days but the conditions are still much better than they were a fortnight ago for getting crops off and hay in the bail.
- 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
- Some areas have received 10-15mls of rain but very patchy with other areas missing out. Still drying out very quickly, much needed follow up rain required especially for winter crops.
- Mung beans that were planted after the March rain are starting to be harvested but frost has fallen on the Downs, so this is a concern for these crops. Chopping of forage silage continues in the area and will for another six weeks before a short break and then onto barley silage. Not as much corn being harvested in the area this season.
- 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. Irrigated lucerne will be cut again shortly 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, amounts of 5 and 10ml’s were recorded in some parts. Farmers are continuing to seed, including oats, vetch and barley for new season hay crops.
- Soya beans are currently being harvested and are reported to be going approximately 2½ t/ha which is pleasing. With the late break a lot more growers opted to sow soya beans. We will see the harvest of these continue for at least the next two to three weeks. Farmers will then complete the second part of their winter cropping into harvested bean paddocks with cereals.
- Demand continues to be quiet in North Coast NSW. There has been a slight amount of movement for small cattle farmers 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 making it ideal cropping conditions. Many have nearly completed their winter seeding programs. Some parts continue to make sorghum silage and are also finishing off the last of the corn harvest.
- The area is still nice and green, and the grass will still be ok for now until the heavy frosts burn off the last of the Autumn feed.
- Many farmers that got their crops away early and haven’t had the stock to graze are offering great agistment opportunities. Farmers from Bega and the Cooma area that are still struggling with ongoing dry are taking this up.
- 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
- 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. Some have been optimistic and have planted crops. The long-range outlook is not looking great for this area especially as we head into the colder months. It will be a stretch for cattle producers and dairy farmers to make personal stocks last through until August.
- 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.
Goulburn/Murray Valley
- The Goulburn Murray have had another week of perfect conditions for winter seeding and most farmers are threequarters of the way through. The area received between 30 and 50ml’s of rain a week ago. Growers have started topdressing canola this past week.
- Much cooler days and some light frosts have fallen in the area. With the start of Winter only just upon us 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 are currently receiving some rain and have recorded 35ml’s in the south and up to 20ml’s in the Nhill region over the past seven days.
- Local farmers are very excited by the season and all winter plantings of vetch, wheat and oats for hay are up and looking strong.
- Local demand remains steady in Southwest Victoria. Growers are moving vetch and some oaten hay into Gippsland for dairy farmers looking for good quality feed for calving cattle. Very reduced demand at this stage as cattle farmers continue to be self-sufficient. 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
- Southeast South Australia have received enough rain to keep things progressing along nicely. There is still perfect moisture in the area.
- Farmers are now coming to the end of winter panting and everything is on track for a good season.
- 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 had a nice dry week. April brought double their average rainfall, so they are still flying along from this.
- Seeding is now completed in the area and comes about ten days early this season due the ideal conditions that allowed an early start.
- Farmers are seeing nice clean crops this year with a good target size. New season hay will be a clean product this year with plenty of voluntary seeds (self-sown) and the ability to wipe out weeds early on will result in a very nice finish.
- The quantity of hay grown this year hasn’t dropped back so potentially there will be a lot of new hay on the market. Some sheds are still holding hay in the area and there may be a quick need to move this to make room for new season stocks.
- Demand remains quiet in central South Australia. There has been no real movement since the first rain episode. There is straw out in the paddock that hasbeen rained on, and many farmers are trying to move this.
- 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 was so much hope for good widespread rain once the cyclone made land during the past week. Sadly, it brought mostly damaging winds causing serve soil erosion in the northern wheatbelt district.
- Recorded rainfall for the West ranged between 5 and 20ml’s. More rain is forecast over the next few days but nothing significant is promised at this stage. Southwest Western Australia will be continually looking for good rainfall over the coming month to push new season crops along.
- 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
- Northwest Tasmania have had a reasonability dry ten days which they needed. Plenty of grass in the area but this will change once the frosts set in. Only one frost recoded so far this season.
- Farmers are trying to get the last of new season grass into maize and turnip paddocks but the window for this is closing and really only have a fortnight to get this done. It’s just been too wet to get on paddocks to finish off the planting.
- Demand for hay will increase in the next month with the continued wet and cold, especially for those calving cattle in. Cattle farmers have already been feeding hay for close to a month now as they have tried to keep stock off the grassed paddocks as they are just turning to mud with the foot traffic and wet conditions.
- A lot of hay was traded during the season so there is concern if there will be enough stocks to get everyone through a wet winter. If the spring breaks well and silage can be made in good time this will take the pressure off.
- It’s also potato harvest time and they too are struggling with the damp conditions to complete their harvest.
- 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.