National Summary
- Most areas continue to report that new season crops are doing well. Some southern parts of New South Wales, North West Victoria and South Australia will need to see decent rainfalls over the next month to keep them on track. Darling Downs, Bega and Southwest Western Australia are more urgently looking for rain.
- 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. In other parts where numbers were heavily destocked due to the dry through Southern Queensland and Northern New South Wales, they haven’t been able to justify buying back in due to the high prices therefore are not making the inquiries for feed either.
- 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 come back. Parts of South Australia have reported some growers wanting to quickly offload last season’s hay, whereas in New South Wales growers are not concerned and would rather carry over and build stocks up.
- Hay and agriculture machinery being freighted over boarders should be moving without implications providing the correct permits are in place. Changes were made again this week between New South Wales and Victoria.
- Prices have again remained steady this week with very little movement across all states. Demand has not been there this winter as it has in previous years. With five weeks till spring its unlikely to see a massive jump in inquiries.
- 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 is steady for farmers wanting feed for weaner cattle and for the equine industry.
- Atherton Tablelands season continues to be plagued by light showers and many overcast days, making it very difficult to get anything in the bail.
- Crops are up in the Darling Downs area with a majority using irrigation to give the crops a head start due to no significant rainfall since March. Rain is needed in this area now as any moisture that was there is all but gone. Some advanced barley crops will be chopped for silage in the next fortnight.
Southern Australia – Summary
- Crops are up and doing well across New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. With most areas having put out urea applications at least once, plus broadleaf sprays and tracking red legged earth mites.
- With a good widespread autumn break the demand for hay to northern parts is no longer required.
- The demand that was expected to be felt over winter hasn’t come. With most farmers being well enough stocked themselves and grass staying viable they haven’t had to outsource for the extra roughage to carry their stock over.
- Silage season is still 6-8 weeks away and up to 10 weeks in the southern parts of Victoria. Growers are anticipating a good hay season if rainfall continues to fall at the right times. With many making sure they have the undercover storage now to carry as much as they can with demand expected to slow for some time.
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.
- 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 4mls of rain this week. Last week’s conditions were much better with dry days after a couple of heavy frosts. The Tablelands are currently damp again, but forecasts are for this to dry up over the weekend. Charters Towers area recorded 30-50mls.
- The area is green and as the weather improves the feed will take off.
- 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.
- Demand has slowed with the rain, but it’s expected it could pick up following the frosts from last week.
- Pasture (Rhodes Grass) hay: +/-0 ($280 to $300). 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
- No rain to report this week.
- Barley silage will start in the next fortnight. Crops around Greenmount are struggling for moisture and appear to only have half geminated due to the lack of rain.
- Aphids are a problem in lucerne crops currently and causing varied levels of damage.
- Demand remains quiet in the Darling Downs. Farmers are holding off buying hay and are waiting to see what the cattle market does. If the prices take a downturn then the demand may rise as graziers look to restock.
- No change to prices this week.
- 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
- Conditions still remain excellent, continued small falls of rain will be enough to take the area through.
- 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 most days, the season is still looking exceptional.
- Urea is going out and some advanced crops are still being grazed in the area.
- Demand is minimal and is expected it could stay that way now for a long period of time. Most farmers able to make it through on grass and stored hay. There is still hay in sheds and much of this is not for sale, there is no push to offload before the new season. Prices are now holding firm in the area.
- No movement in prices this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($310 to $350/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($500 to $700/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($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
- The long-range outlook is not looking great for the Bega area, as the colder months pass it is becoming much harder.
- 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
- No rain to report in the Goulburn/Murray this past week, several frosts followed by 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 starting to pick up now with the mild days.
- 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.
- 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
- Rain has been varied in Gippsland with most parts receiving 10-12ml’s in the past seven days. Orbost in East Gippsland recorded 50ml’s at the end of last week.
- A lot of Gippsland is wet and doesn’t need to see any more rain at this stage. South Gippsland in particular is very wet.
- Green feed still in the area, has slowed in growth with conditions but still providing an ok pick. Dairy farmers are also starting to calve cattle in.
- There are reports of still quite a bit of silage available in the region that was put into pits. Some of these pits haven’t been opened yet, this may reflect on how much new season silage is made. As well has good silage stores farmers still have enough hay to get them through at this stage.
- Demand remains quiet in Gippsland and movement is minimal. Small quantities have been coming into the east. Cereal hay and straw prices quoted are for hay to be carted into the region.
- No change to pricing 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 continues to have a good season.
- Farmers in the local area are currently fertilising, silage season is around two and half months away. Despite winter conditions there is a good green pick for livestock.
- 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 Nhill area with cereal and vetch hay going into local dairies to meet their normal requirements for this time of year. Vetch reported to be $330-$350/t delivered from Nhill into the Southwest. Hay prices quoted are from local and surrounding regions such as the Wimmera. Lucerne isn’t currently being traded into the area.
- Prices remain mostly steady this week.
- Cereal hay: -$30 ($220 to $240/t). Prices have eased 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 have had 6-7ml’s this week and daytime temperatures have been low.
- Crops continue to do well and once some milder weather conditions arrive, then the crops will start to take off. Urea applications are also going out across the area.
- Demand remains slow in Southeast South Australia. There is still reports of small quantities going north into areas that remain dry. There isn’t a huge surplus of fodder in the area, but the inquiry isn’t there either.
- Demand was thought to 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. It needs to much colder and wet for demand to pick up. Some dairy farmers further south that have been waterlogged have reached out for good hay.
- No change to pricing this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($220 to $250/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($330 to $350/t). Prices remains steady this week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($100 to $120/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-0 ($180 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.
Central South Australia
- Three consecutive severe frosts have occurred this week in Central South Australia. April brought over 100ml’s of rain but for July there has only be 15ml’s to date with a normal July averaging 65ml’s.
- Majority of crops are doing well some north of the Eyre Peninsula have rooted down looking for moisture causing toxicity and stress to the plants. Good rainfall will be needed by the first half of August to see these crops through. Other areas are still hanging onto the moisture from the rain received in April.
- Urea applications are going out at the moment as well spraying. Some growers who traditionally would have grown a lot of hay this year have opted to plant canola and legume crops.
- After last harvest a large quantity of straw was made but a lot was never sold and is now weather damaged and still sitting in paddocks. It’s reported its being sold for $50/t into mushroom farms.
- Demand remains quiet in central South Australia with still plenty of feed on paddocks for stock. 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
- Only light showers to report, forecasts are for another dry two weeks.
- Hay crops are up and looking good at this stage in the south with conditions hanging on.
- 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
- Drizzly rain at present, with 1-5ml’s being forecast every day for the next fortnight. The days have been mild for the area reaching 15/16 degrees.
- Cereal crops are up and looking good. It doesn’t take much for the Northwest to go from dry to wet again at this time of year.
- Demand is expected to lift again in the next couple of weeks as farmers start to calve cattle. Many have got through until now on own stores but if rough weather comes through this could quickly change things. 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 held this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($220 to $280/t) Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($340 to $380/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.