National Summary
- Most areas are now reporting that new season crops are up and looking very good with some regions reporting best start to their seasons. The Darling Downs and Bega regions are still looking for more rain.
- Current demand for fodder is generally low and whilst there is supply available of various crops and quality, prices have not overly corrected (i.e. reduced) at this stage. The expectation for the need for more supply to sustain enterprises over winter may not have eventuated to any great degree yet, but this will be one factor holding prices up.
- Demand is still expected to lift in the coming weeks when cattle and dairy farmers look too good roughage to carry calving stock through the colder months. At this time, that demand has not eventuated although there are reports of increasing interest. In more northern parts farmers are looking for good quality hay for weaner cattle. The demand is not significant as numbers are down due to heavy destocking during the dry.
- Some areas are borderline wet such as Gippsland and even Northern Victoria after the continued rainfall in these parts. Only light falls required to keep these areas going now until the spring. North Coast and Central West NSW have also received good rains and are wet enough to have caused issues with hay making.
- A traditional season of supply and demand is expected as we look ahead. Continued great conditions will mean supply is plentiful if spring delivers reasonable conditions. There is potential for a lot of hay to be made this year and if that occurs, we may see supply at levels which will force a correction in prices. However, as always, the caveat on this will be seasonal conditions throughout winter and spring. A wet winter and a dry spring would impact on any overly optimistic forecast. As we have witnessed since the beginning of 2018, over supply is quickly eroded if shocks such as drought (and bush fires) occur.
- Exporters in Western Australia potentially looking to take more hay this season and with more plantings, this would be a good outcome.
- Prices have again remained largely steady this week although there has been some easing in some regions, most likely because of a desire to move old supplies in preparation for the next harvest as well as weak demand.
- In general, it is hard to gauge exact pricing due to the very limited movement of and demand for fodder.
- We caution buyers and recommend feed-testing and viewing fodder before purchasing to be sure of quality of the feed.
Northern Australia – Summary
- After some rain, demand has largely eased in northern Australia except for the Atherton Tablelands where demand has increased for farmers wanting feed for weaner cattle and for the equine industry.
- Late summer crops have been sown in some parts of northern Australia and are being turned into hay and chopped silage. Atherton Tablelands season continues to be plagued by light showers and many overcast days, making it very difficult to get anything in the bail.
- Winter plantings have been finalised in the Darling Downs area with a majority using irrigation to give the crops a head start due to no significant rainfall since March.
- Whilst the Atherton Tablelands has been damp, the Darling Downs is still largely dry and needing rain to sustain planted crops.
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 and Victoria.
- With a good widespread autumn break the demand for hay to northern parts is no longer required.
- With winter being well and truly felt now in the south we look to demand increasing over the colder months as the area is bracing for potentially a long, cold and wet time but as yet this increase in demand has not eventuated.
- Hay supplies still exist in Northern Victoria and South Australia and potentially a flood of quality new season hay will cause a move to offload current stores at reduced prices.
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.
- There are reports of increased plantings for new season hay for export and there is always a possibility that this extra supply, if not to export standard, will be available on the domestic market.
- 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 get growers through to the spring.
- Prices remain strong for all fodder types in WA.
Regional Commentary
Atherton Tablelands
- The Tablelands are still receiving showers, with a week of drizzle and it is still relatively dull and cold which is making it difficult to make any hay – overall not good hay making weather.
- The area is green, and the damp conditions are keeping the feed fresh. With the overcast weather it is making it very hard to get the drying time needed for making hay.
- Crops are ready to come off when the weather is more favourable.
- Making of corn silage is continuing.
- Demand has increased for farmers wanting feed for weaner cattle and for the equine industry.
- Pasture (Rhodes Grass) hay: +$35 ($280 to $300/t). Prices have firmed this 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
- Patchy showers on the Downs last week but still a lot of crops needing rain.
- Some crops are being grazed now and may be locked up again for regrowth if the rains arrive.
- There is still plenty of dry feed around and good beds of feed if you had cattle but there is a lack of cattle in the region to capitalise on this.
- 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.
- There has been a flurry of activity recently in baling rounds of pasture hay but most of this is being traded locally.
- Prices have eased this week.
- Cereal hay: -$40 ($340 to $360/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Lucerne hay: -$50 ($400 to $450/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Straw: -$110 ($60 to $70/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Pasture hay: -$5 ($200 to $240/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.
North Coast NSW
- North Coast weather has fined up this week after being quite wet. The fine weather has been welcomed as it has been difficult to make hay of recent weeks.
- Farmers have finished off winter plantings now and will look to a grazing rotation 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/slow on the North Coast NSW. There has been a slight amount of inquiry/movement for farmers wanting good quality feed for weaners. Cooler temperatures over the next couple of months may also trigger an increase.
- Cereal hay, straw, and lucerne prices quoted are for supplies to be carted into the region.
- Prices remain steady this week aside from an easing in cereal hay prices. It is hard to gauge an exact price on varieties in the area as there really is little to no trade at present.
- Cereal hay: -$100 ($300 to $350/t). Prices have eased 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 wet in Central West NSW and showery weather continues this week.
- The area has had good grass up until recently, but the cold and frosts are slowing pasture growth. It has been a perfect break to the season and all crops are reportedly planted.
- Demand is quiet in Central West at present but there are some signs of interest returning to the fodder market as the weather gets colder and buyers start looking for supplies to see them through winter.
- There are some concerns over water allocations via the Lachlan river and associated dams this year with no general allocation now although ground water has 100% allocation.
- All prices remain steady aside from lucerne which if not already ordered will be tough to secure.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($360 to $400/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +$260 ($600 to $800/t). Prices have firmed 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
- 8mm of rainfall in over the last weekend but otherwise the Bega region is still dry.
- The long-range outlook is not looking great for this area especially as we head into the colder months.
- 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 to have feed come springtime.
- Demand remains quiet in the Bega Valley.
- There are reports that a lot of hay was transported into the region as bush fire relief by various charities and this has caused a major disruption to the general trading of fodder with some traders left with large quantities of product purchased in for the region that is for sale that is now longer wanted on the back of the donations received.
- All prices remain steady this week but with limited trade, prices may vary.
- 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 region received around 10mm of rain last weekend and by reports, it is experiencing one of its best starts for years.
- The valley is still very green, and feed continues to grow. Growth is much slower now with the onset of colder weather but still grazing well.
- Enquiry is quiet and demand is low with enough feed on hand either in paddocks or in sheds.
- Some hay is still moving out of the region to Cooma, NSW.
- The regions decline in dairy cow numbers has also impacted demand.
- There has been some Canola hay available for $220/t, but this is increasingly difficult to source.
- Water availability for irrigation later this year is an issue of concern.
- All prices remain steady this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($190 to $220/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($450 to $500/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($70 to $100/t). Prices eased slightly 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
- 20mm of rain last week in the region although it is reportedly wetter in south Gippsland.
- The region is not looking for much more rain or it may be too wet.
- Farmers are commenting that it is the best season they have seen in a few years.
- There are reports of still quite a bit of silage available in the region on farms and still quite good supplies of hay.
- 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.
- Some prices have eased this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($280 to $340/t). Prices remain steady this week although very little trade occurring.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($550 to $650/t). Prices remain steady this week although very little trade occurring.
- Straw: -$45 ($120 to $140/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Pasture hay: -$70 ($130 to $150/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 Victoria
- Southwest Victoria have had a relatively dry couple of weeks, reporting only light showers. It remains cool and overcast on most days which is therefore limiting growth.
- Farmers in the local area are working on urea and spraying programs now for pasture crops.
- There are still good supplies of local fodder in the region and for sale.
- Charlton, which is in the Wimmera, are having a great season. The Southwest will benefit from this as this is one of the area’s they rely on for good quality cereal hay.
- Local demand remains steady in Southwest Victoria. 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 is having a good start to their season and is in a good position.
- 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 looking good.
- 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 improve as it does for most areas when feed is needed to carry over stock during the cold months but that has not occurred yet to any great degree.
- Prices have eased this week.
- Cereal hay: -$10 ($250 to $300/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Lucerne hay: -$65 ($350 to $400/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Straw: -$10 ($100 to $120/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Pasture hay: -$35 ($180 to $200/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.
Central South Australia
- Despite tracking below average rainfall for this time of the year, crops are up and looking good with the best germination seen for quite some time.
- It is quite cold in the region with recent day time temperatures around 12-13 degrees which means there is not much growth occurring.
- A lot of hay has been grown this year and there is an expectation of good supply if the seasons remain kind. There is hope that a lot of this hay will make export quality and will not cause an oversupply on to the local domestic market.
- Demand remains quiet in central South Australia. Demand for big squares and straw has all but stopped. There is hay movement but majority of this was contracted back earlier in the season and is headed for feedlots.
- No significant changes in pricing to note this week.
- Cereal hay: +$13 ($200 to $250/t). Prices have firmed a little 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
- It was been wet on the south coast of WA but still patchy conditions in other areas. The southern area continues to do better than the top of the Wheat Belt.
- The storms that occurred around Northampton/Geraldton did cause a lot of damage to crops that had been planted and there has had to be some reseeding done in these regions.
- Hay crops are up and looking good at this stage in the south with conditions ok. The last of grain crops are in now, with wheat plantings still being increased in place of barley.
- Some export hay growers have increased plantings for new season hay. Given the right conditions and that it meets export requirements there is a hope that this extra hay will be wanted for export. WA remains Australia’s largest producer of export hay.
- 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 do not have the supply.
- No major price changes have been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +$5 ($330 to $370/t). Prices remain largely 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
- After a run of hard frosts in Northwest Tasmania it has turned a bit milder in the mornings
- There is still rain falling in the region but not in the large damaging falls, rather 15-20mm events.
- The region is quite saturated currently, so any rain now is exacerbating this.
- Some autumn planned plantings (i.e. lucerne and cereals) are now being held over to spring because of the wet.
- Winter cropping is finished now as it is just too cold to try and plant anything else. Cereal crops are up, mostly looking good with some lighter sections where it has got to wet, or the water has laid on the paddocks. Farmers would normally consider re-sowing these areas but with the soil temperatures dropped away now it will not be feasible.
- Demand for hay has lifted with inquiries coming from many sections including sheep, dry cattle and dairy especially with the onset of colder temperatures and the ongoing wet.
- Farmers that had cereal hay stored outside have realised the rain over the last few months has caused some damage, so this is being sold now at a reduced price. There is very little to no lucerne, pasture hay or straw in the area.
- With no surplus supply in the region and winter arrived, there is no expectation that prices will fall.
- Prices remain steady this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($260 to $310/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 but virtually no product available.
- Pasture hay: +/-0 ($250 to $320/t) Prices remain steady this week but virtually no product available.
- 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.