National Summary
- Good rainfall received this past week on the North Coast, in Central West New South Wales and Bega. Southwest Western Australia is starting to dry out and despite some falls over the Darling Downs they will need more rain in the coming weeks.
- Reports across the board of crops doing well and starting to grow as some milder conditions have been felt.
- A traditional season of supply and demand is expected as we look ahead. Continued great conditions will see plenty of hay produced especially in New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. Pricing will ease and we won’t see hay traveling the distances it has over the last few years during the drought.
- Some contractors that operate and live in South Australia but also operate in Victoria are now looking into their permit options for the coming season. Changes were made again this week to permits between New South Wales/Victoria and South Australia/Victoria.
- Prices have again remained steady this week with only a few changes noted. There is still very little movement across all states. Demand has not been there this winter as it has in previous years.
- 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 have had much better conditions for making hay over the last two weeks.
- Crops in the Darling Downs are still ok at this stage following some rainfall, but the season is still only just. Good widespread rain is needed next month, or the season may finish up relatively quickly.
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.
- 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
- Any new inquiries are struggling to secure fodder for the next few months to get them through until new season hay hits the market. Concerns that some areas will struggle with production due to the dry conditions, and the bale numbers will be well down.
- 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.
- 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
- No rain to report for the Tablelands in the last seven days. This week has brought fine weather but two more heavy frosts.
- Better weather conditions have meant growers have been able to get a good run at hay production.
- 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 the past two weeks which has burnt off new grass. Outside of this it has been a very slow year for fodder.
- 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
- Darling Downs recorded 20ml’s of rain this past week, it was varied.
- Still too early for cereal silage in most parts of the Darling Downs. With borderline conditions decisions will need to be made in the coming weeks around taking crops for silage or to push through for hay. Further west is very marginal and if the season stops short there will potentially be a lot of grain crops go for hay.
- 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.
- Reports of new season hay from early plantings in the Bundaberg area being offered down into the Darling for the same price as locally delivered cereal – $320/t.
- A drop in cereal hay price this week, while lucerne, pasture and straw remain steady.
- Cereal hay: -$40 ($300 to $320/t). Prices have eased 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 North Coast received 73ml’s of rain this week in the Ballina area, whereas other parts just south received much more.
- A winter has not been felt in the area and this has allowed the grass to keep growing and support any stock on hand.
- There has been a slight amount of inquiry/movement from farmers wanting roughage to supplement the green feed. 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 still 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
- Central West recorded 40-50 ml’s of rain earlier in the week.
- It is getting wet now and making it hard to get on paddocks, but the season is still perfect. Ongoing rainfall at the right times and a milder winter has made for ideal conditions.
- Early crops that were grazed or had to be cut for silage because they were too advanced, are on track now to have good growth and be ready for the hay season. Growers have been able to take advantage of the good season and rotate in crops such as vetch as well as replant lucerne stands that were lost during the dry.
- Demand is minimal and is expected it could stay that way now for some time. A small amount of weather damaged cereal hay is moving, it’s been feed out as roughage to break up the green feed.
- No change to 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
- Much of the New South Wales East Coast was battered this week with heavy falls. Bega has reported 300 to 400 ml’s of rain, a very significant and timely drop for the area that has been dry for some time now.
- 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. With the rainfall and warmer conditions feed will start to come away now.
- 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 it has dried out after some warm days. Rain is forecast for mid to late next week.
- Urea applications continue to go out trying to capture any rainfall or heavy dews to wash it in.
- The valley is still very green, and feed has taken off with the milder conditions. The season is still on track and providing good rainfalls in August it will be ok.
- Very little demand as winter hasn’t been as wet and cold as first predicted.
- 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 this past week in Gippsland, Maffra area recording 37ml’s.
- 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. If there is a low-pressure system passing over the New South Wales East Coast (which there has been), then Gippsland can get significant rain and even flooding.
- There is still green feed in the area, has slowed in growth with conditions but still providing an ok pick. Dairy farmers are also starting to calve cattle in.
- Movement of pre-contacted hay is still happening. Most end users such as dairies are only picking up a load as they need. Cereal and vetch hay coming in from the Mallee. The Mallee area still has plenty of hay available and new season crops are looking good. They are now starting to look for good rain. Straw is mainly going into feedlots that was pre-contracted or its being sold for bedding.
- Demand is slow but extra rainfall could produce a spike. Cereal hay and straw prices quoted are for hay to be carted into the region.
- Prices have eased this week for cereal hay and straw. Vetch hay is being delivered in from the Mallee for $380/t.
- Cereal hay: -$5 ($280 to $330/t). Prices have come back slightly this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($550 to $650/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: -$53 ($70 to $85/t). Prices have come back 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 are unchanged this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($220 to $240/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
- No rain to report for the Southeast, there is some forecast for next week.
- The break in the weather has allowed growers to get on paddocks to spray. Crops continue to do well, and ten days of constant sunshine has seen good growth.
- Demand remains very slow in Southeast South Australia. There is still reports of small quantities going north into areas of South Australia 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. Growers have reached out to parts of Queensland to see if there is any demand to try and move some of last season’s 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
- No rain to report, but again the area has had a number of heavy frosts. Approximately eight big frosts now in the last week and a half.
- Good rainfall needed now to see crops through. Aprils above average rainfall has been what has kept the area going with only receiving 11 ml’s in July.
- Crops are still looking good and are well established, oats have tipped off. Some growers who traditionally would have grown a lot of hay this year have opted to plant canola and legume crops.
- 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. There are loads going into the NT but that is normal trade for this time of year.
- 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
- Just on 5ml’s of rain to report this week in the Pingrup area (two and half hours north of Albany). Albany to Esperance have received less than half the average rainfall for the last six months. Gairdner which is situated approximately hallway between Esperance and Albany have reported only 90ml’s for the year.
- Hay crops are up and looking good at this stage but with no subsoil moisture left they are needing a good rain. Without the rain the season may switch off and growers will be cutting crops in 8-9 weeks from now.
- Concern that if the season comes up short, the tonnage needed for export and the domestic market won’t be there. 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.
- No changes to pricing to report this week as there is near zero availability of fodder. Any movement relates to previously committed orders.
- 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
- It currently feels like spring and has been the driest July for many parts of Tasmania. Rain is forecast for August and September and it’s said to be 75% more than average.
- 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. There is good ground moisture and this along with the dryer conditions has allowed growers to crop of replant areas that were too wet back in April.
- Demand has continued on with many lamb producers deciding to carry stock over after the market slumped. Growers are hoping to meet these inquiries with what they have left as well as still carry enough for personal use. 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 continue to be tight filling new enquiries.
- Lucerne has eased this week with all other prices holding.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($220 to $280/t) Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: -$35 ($300 to $350/t) Prices have eased 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.