National Summary
- Most areas are now reporting that new season crops are up and looking good. Urea applications and spraying of broadleaf is happening in several areas. The Darling Downs, Bega and Southwest Western Australia 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. Continued good pricing in the sale yards has also meant a number of farmers have taken the opportunity to reduce cattle numbers and not feed out during the colder, wet months.
- Some areas are still 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 see hay plentiful and pricing will slip back to match a normal season.
- Some disruption this week as the boarder has closed between NSW and Victoria to prevent the community transmissions moving into NSW. Permits were messy and the website didn’t handle the large influx, but the movement and process has improved in the last 24 hours. Hay being freighted north should now move without implications providing the correct permits are in place.
- Prices have again remained mostly steady this week. Lucerne and cereal hay prices have eased in Central West NSW, Tasmania and Southeast South Australia.
- 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
- Atherton Tablelands received approximately 10mls of rain this week over two nights. The overcast weather continues, next week is forecast to bring dryer weather.
- The area is green and as the weather improves the feed will take off. With the overcast weather it is making it very hard to get the drying time needed for making hay.
- Corn is being harvested now and will continue over the next two months. Tablelands corn is highly sort after to be milled into cracked corn. Moisture is very high at the moment, up around 26% and needs to be brought down to 13% to be stored.
- Demand is nothing in comparison to this time last year. There has been requests for hay from Longreach and Whitton.
- 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
- Only light rain recorded this week on the Downs, the forecast is for 20-30mls this weekend. This would be a significant boost for winter crops.
- Barley that was planted back in early March has been cut and bailed for hay in the last week. There aren’t many of these early cereal crops, but they have done well for being early.
- Aphids are a problem in lucerne crops currently and causing varied levels of damage. Farmers are currently irrigating, spraying and spreading urea on winter crops.
- 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
- No significant rain to report in the last seven days, just light patches have passed through the North Coast. Major rain events are not needed in the area, continued small falls will be enough to take the area through.
- Days have been much cooler this week, with only tops of 15/16 degrees.
- 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.
- Feed in the area is still doing well for this time of year, growth is much slower at present but better conditions will see an influx. There is still a small quantity of Rhodes grass being bailed when the weather permits.
- 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 week in the Central West with frosts followed by mild days. Up to 10mls of rain is predicted over the coming weekend.
- The crops are growing quickly, there isn’t enough stock around to graze them down. The colder weather over the next two months should slow them down. It is still approximately at least six weeks away before crops will be cut for silage.
- Urea is going out as well as broadleaf spraying. Growers will be looking for rain to continue to fall at the right times as the season progresses.
- Demand has picked up in Central West for small and large squares. Farmers looking for oaten hay to break up the green feed stock are on. Some prices have dropped away slightly this week for cereal and lucerne hay as growers prepare to make way for new season hay.
- Cereal hay: -$50 ($310 to $350/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Lucerne hay: -$100 ($500 to $700/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Straw: +/- ($60 to $80/t). Prices remain steady 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
- No rain to report in the Bega area this week, chance of some falls next week.
- The long-range outlook is not looking great for this area especially as we head into the colder months.
- Dairy farms are running minimal herds and sheep farmers have moved hundreds of sheep to agistment in the Central West of NSW.
- Demand remains quiet in the Bega Valley. Hay traders have been buying straight rye out of Maffra Victoria for horse clients.
- 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 received just under 10mls last Friday. Cold mornings but mostly 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
- No rain has fallen in Gippsland this week.
- A lot of Gippsland is wet and doesn’t need to see any more rain at this stage.
- Reports of some urea going out and spraying when weather permits. Plenty of green feed still in the area, has slowed in growth with conditions but still good for this time of year.
- 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. No reports of cereal hay coming into the area. 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: +/-0 ($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 would ideally like some rain, but pastures are still looking good at this stage.
- 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. Buyers are only buying what they need to get through.
- Local demand remains steady in Southwest Victoria. Some movement from the Southern Wimmera (Horsham) to Portland for live export cattle. Hay prices quoted are from local and surrounding regions such as the Wimmera.
- Prices mainly 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: +/- ($60 to $80/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 25-31mls in the last week, Mount Gambier is very wet.
- The first of the season’s crops are starting to canopy over, everything is looking good. Not too wet for the majority of the Southeast. First of the in crop weed spraying has occurred, farmers keen to keep the plantings nice and clean.
- 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. There are also reports of some growers waiting out for higher lucerne prices.
- 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. Some dairy farmers further south that have been waterlogged have reached out for good hay.
- Prices have come back this week.
- Cereal hay: -$40 ($220 to $250/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Lucerne hay: -$35 ($330 to $350/t). Prices have eased this week.
- 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
- No rain recorded in the Central South, around 10ml’s is forecast for the next couple of days. Frosts have returned to the area.
- Feed that was grown for sheep is grazing well. The season is looking good and is being classed as what farmers would call a welcomed normal year.
- Urea applications are going out at the moment as well spraying.
- Demand remains quiet in central South Australia. There has been some fodder transported to north South Australia where it is still dry. 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
- Rain is forecast for the area often 10-15mls, but a lot of the time growers are only receiving 2-3mls. It reported it will be dry for at least another two weeks.
- 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
- Northwest Tasmania have experienced frosts most of the past week, but the days are providing good growing conditions.
- There has been enough of a break between each rain period to allow water to drain away.
- 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. Some growers are grazing new season crops with sheep.
- Demand for hay has lifted with inquiries coming from many sections including sheep and beef cattle 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 have reduced this week for cereal and lucerne hay.
- Cereal hay: -$20 ($220 to $280/t) Prices have eased this week.
- Lucerne hay: -$25 ($340 to $380/t) Prices have eased 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.