National Summary
- Most areas are now reporting that new season crops are up and looking excellent with some regions stating it’s the best start in a long time. The Darling Downs and Bega regions are still looking for more rain.
- 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. Many farmers have still been able to meet their own needs with stocks they have carried over at this point. 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. Continued good pricing in the sale yards has also meant a number of farmers have taken the opportunity to reduce beef numbers and not feed out during the colder, wet months.
- 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 are also not looking for major rainfall now to get them through.
- A traditional season of supply and demand is expected as we look ahead. Continued great conditions will mean a good supply come springtime across most regions. Buyers will be wanting a good quality product from their growers – stored undercover, good protein, ME and NDF. We await the completion of harvest in the northern hemisphere, how that will impact on Australian grain prices and what path growers choose to take.
- 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 mostly steady this week, with still much talk in South Australia of growers wanting to move old stocks quickly before a potential flood of new season hay.
- In general, it is hard to gauge exact pricing due to the low inquiry for hay in all parts of Australia.
- 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 have had another week of light showers and cooler conditions than normal.
- The area is green, and the damp weather is 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: +/-0 ($280 to $300/t). Prices remain steady 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
- The small quantities of rain that they have been received over the last month have been enough to get crops up and maintain some moisture. More significant rainfall is required to push them along now.
- Winter cropping has been a lot later this year due to the timing of rainfall. The crops are only just up but looking ok.
- Frost has plagued a lot of the summer crops that were planted in March after the good rain. The cold weather came in towards the end of harvest.
- 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: +/-0 ($340 to $360/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($400 to $450/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($60 to $70/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-0 ($200 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.
North Coast NSW
- The little bits of rain have been great to keep conditions ideal, significant rainfall not required. Dry days have been favourable of recent and aiding in giving the North Coast one of the best starts to winter.
- Days are very mild with temperatures reaching 23 degrees, no frosts to report and the grass is still growing.
- A great deal of silage was made during the months February- April when good rainfall passed through the area and crops couldn’t make hay. Some of this is on the market now for $80-$90 a roll but it’s not moving easily due to many having their own stores.
- Reports of good quality millet hay being sold for $250/t on farm.
- 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. With cattle prices still holding well, many are selling and not carrying stock through the winter months.
- 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 ($300 to $350/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 cool week for the Central West. Crops are up and looking good after an excellent Autumn break.
- The area has had good grass up until recently, but the frosts are slowing this feed down now.
- Growers will be looking for rain to continue to fall at the right times as the season progresses. The Riverina have had allocations for underground water cut from 100% down to 65% this could serve a significant impact if irrigation is required to finish crops. Surface allocation still sits at 10%.
- New inquiry for straw from outside the normal areas has presented and will hopefully offer new opportunities.
- 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.
- Prices remain steady this week with only straw dropping away.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($360 to $400/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0($600 to $800/t). Prices have firmed this week.
- Straw: -$55 ($60 to $80/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
- Bega region is still dry, some light falls forecast for the coming weekend.
- 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 Goulburn/Murray have received showers this past seven days. Cold mornings but nice clear days.
- Urea applications continue to go out trying to capture any rainfall to wash it in.
- 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 where it is still dry.
- 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 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
- 18mm of rain has fallen in the last couple of days in Gippsland. The area was averaging an inch a week up until recently.
- A lot of Gippsland is wet and don’t need to see any more rain at this stage.
- Farmers are commenting that it is the best season they have seen in a few years. Like other areas with the price of cattle through the yards still paying well many have opted to reduce stock numbers so as not to feed them through the cold wet months.
- There are reports of still quite a bit of silage available in the region that farmers produced on dry blocks mainly for personal use.
- Demand remains quiet in Gippsland and movement is minimal. Cereal hay and straw prices quoted are for hay to be carted into the region.
- Prices have held 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 ($120 to $140/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: -$70 ($130 to $150/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 light showers this week. They were expecting wind through the area, but it wasn’t as severe as first forecast.
- Farmers in the local area are working on urea applications, some growers are up to a second top up on crops now.
- There are still good supplies of local fodder in the region and for sale.
- The Mallee is looking fantastic especially vetch crops.
- Local demand remains steady in Southwest Victoria. Most movement relates to contracted fodder, still really no new inquiry at this stage. Hay prices quoted are from local and surrounding regions such as the Wimmera.
- Prices mainly remain steady this week, with straw reducing slightly.
- 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: -$20 ($60 to $80/t). Prices have reduced 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 had a heavy storm pass through in the last couple of days.
- It’s not too wet and crops are up and looking good. Growers are putting out urea at the moment and trying to spray when weather conditions permit.
- Demand remains flat in southeast South Australia. There is still reports of 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 held this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($250 to $300/t). Prices remain steady.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($350 to $400/t). Prices remain steady.
- Straw: +/-0 ($100 to $120/t). Prices remain steady.
- Pasture hay: +/-0 ($180 to $200/t). Prices remain steady.
- 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
- Patchy rain has fallen in Central South Australia in the past week with some areas receiving up to 12ml’s.
- Its damp but soils in the region drain well compared to other parts. Crops are looking great with reports there standing at around 8” high.
- Urea applications are going out at the moment.
- Demand remains quiet in central South Australia. There has been some frosted wheaten hay head north this week to the Northern Territory. 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 changes in pricing to report this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($200 to $250/t). Prices remain 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
- 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 changes to pricing to report this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($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
- Patches of rain up around 8ml’s have fallen in the area over the last couple of days. The region had dried out, but it doesn’t take much at this time of year to turn wet again.
- Some autumn planned plantings (i.e. lucerne and cereals) are now being held over to spring because of the wet.
- 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 from the earlier falls during autumn. 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. There is very little to no lucerne, pasture hay or straw in the Northwest.
- With no surplus supply in the region following a wet spring where growers struggled to make hay, it will be tight filling new enquiries.
- 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.