National Summary
- Most areas across the board continue to enjoy excellent seasonal conditions. Bega sadly still affected by the ongoing dry in the area and the Darling Downs looking for good rainfall as it starts to dry out.
- Demand is expected to lift in the coming weeks when cattle and dairy farmers look too good roughage to carry calving stock through the colder months. In more northern parts farmers are looking for good quality hay for weaner cattle. The demand isn’t significant as numbers are down due to heavy destocking during the dry.
- 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. Conditions are ok and we certainly hope this continues.
- Some areas are borderline wet such as Gippsland and even Northern Victoria after the continued rainfall in these parts.
- A traditional season of supply and demand is expected as we look ahead. Thoughts on new season fodder if we continue to have such great conditions and supply is plentiful. Is the consumer will be undoubtably expecting a quality product from their growers.
- Prices have again remained steady this week. In general, it is hard to gauge exact pricing due to the very limited movement of fodder. Straw is still 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 now reaching completion. The first of the crops are now up and looking good in South Australia.
- 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 in Central West NSW a huge success with many being able to graze.
- With Winter being well and truly felt now in the south we look to demand over the colder months as the area is bracing for potentially a long, cold and wet time.
- 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 Northern Victoria and South Australia and potentially a flood of quality new season hay will cause a rush to offload current stores.
Western Australia – Summary
- Hay and straw have moved fast and is in limited supply. A lot of hay in the state is now committed. Any new inquiries are struggling to secure fodder for the next few months to get them through the Winter.
- 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. Exporters are already in discussions with growers regarding new season hay and demand looks to be on the increase from last season.
- 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 are back receiving continuous showers, with more rain forecast over the next few days.
- The area is still very green, and the recent rain has freshened up the feed. With the overcast conditions it’s making it very hard to get the drying time needed for making hay again. If they miss a window it’s getting stuck on the ground and ending up as mulch for the avocado growers.
- Corn continues to be chopped for silage in area. Demand has increased slightly for farmers wanting feed for weaner cattle. Lucerne hay and general hay is getting too expensive to buy out of Gatton. To meet the needs of horse clients mostly, some small squares of lucerne were purchased out of Victoria this last week.
- 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
- No rain to report for the Darling Downs in the last week. 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 has affected some crops. Chopping of sorghum silage and corn is on the tail end now.
- Farmers are working towards the end of the planting season. Barley is going in at the moment and will be taken through to be chopped or made into hay. Those that have irrigation are running their pivots over to get these crops up and going.
- Some irrigated lucerne growers are on their last cut now for the season. The hay is actually some of the nicest as its not getting the sun bleaching and with frosty mornings it’s getting nice drying time during the day.
- 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.
- 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. Farmers feel like they are flying into Winter and are enjoying the great conditions. Small showers of rain over the next few months will be enough to keep them going. Significant falls not really needed at this stage.
- Farmers are finishing off Winter seeding now, including oats, vetch and barley for new season hay crops. Growers will look to a grazing rotation now and top dressing once the cattle are off.
- Oaten hay has never had a huge demand in the area, but cattle graziers are realising the benefits of this variety.
- Demand continues to be quiet in North Coast NSW. There has been a slight amount of inquiry/movement for 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
- No rain to report in the northern parts of Central West. Lower parts did receive up to 5ml’s. Winter seeding is now mostly complete, just those with sections of heavier country that have had to wait for it to dry out.
- 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. Warm days are helping to keep feed going.
- Some new season crops that were planted earlier on have finished a grazing rotation. Farmers are spreading urea and spraying herbicides. Lucerne will be rested now for 6-8 weeks and then cleaned off ready for the spring.
- Demand is very quiet in Central West at present but expect that it will increase in the coming months as farmers look to balance out the grazing crops with potentially second grade cereal hay. Small square market has started to pick up a little over the last week.
- 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
- Sadly, no rain to report in the Bega area again this past week.
- 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. It will be a stretch for cattle producers and dairy farmers to make personal stocks last through until August.
- Those that made silage on their runoff blocks are already starting to transport some of this back to feed stock. Crops that were sown after the good rain in March have been lost now due zero rainfall in the area. If a break is received those than can justify it will have to replant these crops so as to have feed come springtime.
- 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 area received 17-30ml’s of rain at the start of the week, followed by light frosts. At present its too wet for farmers to get onto their paddocks to do anything.
- The need for good quality roughage for cattle producers may be needed much sooner this season. Potentially the Goulburn Murray Valley will be in for a long, cold and wet Winter.
- The valley is still very green, and feed continues to grow. Growth is much slower now but still grazing well.
- Enquiry is slow, there is no hay moving from the region compared to a couple of months ago. Sheds are still primarily fall due to contracts in the north not being fulfilled.
- 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 5ml’s. They missed the rain that feel earlier in the week in Northern Victoria. This was a relief as the area doesn’t need any more significant rainfall at this time.
- There is plenty of green feed available. No real frosts to report yet so the feed continues to grow, more slowly but it is still viable at this point.
- South Gippsland is still fairly wet but other areas are drying out nicely. Farmers are commenting that it’s the best season they have seen in a few years.
- The chopping of corn is finished now, much later season and was a push at the end with wet conditions plaguing harvest. Growers will turn to fertilising and weed control programs now.
- 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 up to 20ml’s for the last 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 received 30ml’s at the start of the week and more is forecast for the weekend.
- The area isn’t too wet at this stage and are enjoying the idyllic conditions. They experienced their first real frost for the season today.
- Farmers are now coming to the end of Winter panting and everything is on track for a good season. The first of the crops are well and truly up and doing well.
- 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 up to 20ml’s of rain falling earlier this week. This has been fantastic following up rain.
- Seeding is now completed in the area and comes about ten days early this season due the ideal conditions that allowed an early start.
- Many farmers spread urea on new season crops prior to this week’s rainfall.
- 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.
- 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
- Recorded rainfall for May in some parts was just over 30ml’s. Southwest Western Australia will be looking for good follow up rain over the coming months to push new season crops along. The southern area continues to do better than the top of the Wheat Belt.
- Hay crops are up and looking good at this stage in the south with conditions ok. The last of grain crops going in now, with many reducing barley plantings and increasing wheat due to China’s tariff.
- Some export hay growers have increased plantings for new season hay. Given the right conditions and that it goes on to meet requirements there is a certainty that this extra hay will be snapped up for export.
- 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. Growers have had to turn new inquiries down as they don’t have the supply. There are also reports of wheat straw being bailed and sold to supplement sheep feed.
- 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 reasonably dry week. Farmers are trying to get the last of new season grass in, but it’s just been too wet to move on the paddocks
- 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 preferring to keep stock off their pastures as they quickly turn to mud.
- 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.
- 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.