National Summary
- Rain is expected to fall in many parts of Australia over the next week, including Southwest Western Australia where it has been becoming increasingly dry.
- 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. Many growers have taken the opportunity to increase on farm covered storage in preparation for higher yields.
- Prices have remained steady this week. There is still very little movement across all states. Demand has not been there this winter as it has in previous years. Milder conditions and good rainfall have kept grass viable for stock in many areas.
- The cattle market remains strong which continues to affect demand.
- 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. Demand in the Atherton Tablelands 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 month.
- 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 now, 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.
- 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 two 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 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 significant rain to report this week, widespread storms are forecast for the weekend.
- Conditions less than ideal with days plagued with damp conditions. 4-5 consecutive clear days are needed to get grass into a bail.
- Corn is being harvested now and will continue over the next two months. Local corn is also struggling with moisture.
- Demand has slowed with the rain, but it’s expected it could pick up following the frosts from July which 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 are forecast for 10-20ml’s of widespread rain this weekend. Timing is ideal and will give crops a much-needed boost
- In the Gatton area there has been some barley hay already made. More will be potentially cut in approximately two weeks from April plantings. It’s moving slowly at this stage due to rhodes grass still filling the market.
- Demand remains quiet in the Darling Downs requests have come from Brisbane stores needing to fill equine orders.
- Lucerne has been poor yielding this winter, this may be because of the varied weather conditions. Aphids have also been a problem and have knocked the lucerne stands.
- No changes to pricing this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($300 to $320/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 North Coast are forecast for more rain over the next couple of days. The area is not needing any more rain as they are still drying out from the last fall’s ten days ago.
- A winter has not been felt in the area and this has allowed the grass to keep growing and support any stock on hand. Only one hard frost for the season, farmers have commented that grass has never been so abundant and viable in July and August before.
- There has been a slight amount of inquiry/movement from farmers wanting roughage to supplement the green feed. Growers are wanting to push through and make hay over silage to replenish stocks.
- 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 are forecast for 50ml’s of rain this weekend and another 50ml’s next week. The area is still wet after the last rain event that came through only ten days ago. The rainfall to date has boosted the river with the Lachlan on the rise and Wyangala Dam now at 24.3%.
- Urea is going out and also spraying of late crops and those that have been grazed. Colder weather will help slow the crops down as they have been advanced this year with early plantings and ideal conditions.
- 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. Inquiry has come this week from Sydney stores looking for small squares normally they would be buying from Victoria but with the current situation in Victoria and boarder closures they are sourcing closer to home.
- 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
- Bega is set to receive more rain over the coming week, not as significant as ten days ago but is forecast to receive over 100ml’s over four days.
- 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 been cold following some milder conditions. The Valley is forecast to receive rain this weekend and again the middle of 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. If the rain falls as per the forecast, then the area will continue to be on track for a good season.
- 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 is forecast for this coming week in Gippsland. South Gippsland is still very wet but other parts such as Woodside (south of Sale) are looking for decent rain.
- Grazing crops are doing well in the area. Silage season is 6-8 weeks away depending on weather conditions over the next month.
- 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 but are dependent on good continued rainfall.
- 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.
- No changes to pricing.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($280 to $330/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($550 to $650/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($70 to $85/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 thus far. 15-20ml’s of rain is forecast for the next few days which the area needs.
- Farmers in the local area are currently fertilising in anticipation of the rain. The rain will bring more confidence for growers. If the area was to miss out now yields will start to decrease.
- 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. Rain within the next three weeks would be ideal.
- Crops continue to do well, earlier plantings in the area have started to tip over due to being advanced.
- 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 are growers who are keen to move hay that they still have on hand, but the demand isn’t there.
- 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, more frosts and cooler daytime temperatures have continued in the area. This is the third consecutive year where there has been significant number of frosts recorded in July and August.
- 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. There is some rain forecast for the coming days.
- Crops are still hanging on and are well established.
- Demand remains quiet in central South Australia. Some parts around Eudunda have started to sell off lambs due to the dryer conditions despite the lamb market crashing. Snowtown and down through the Yorke Peninsula are also dry. 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 southern parts of the NT for weaners 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
- Rain was reported this week in the west with Ravensworth getting a good wash and many from the area have commented that they have been able to fill dams. Further north around Callingiri (north east of Perth) recorded 7ml’s.
- This weekend is set to bring good widespread rainfall from the Cape all the way down to Esperance. The front still looks strong and could bring at least 20ml’s of rain.
- Hay crops are up and looking good at this stage but with no subsoil moisture left they are needing a good rain. Warm days of 23/24 degrees have been putting the pressure on.
- 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.
- Reasonable hectares have been planted for hay this year. Cutting in the eastern growing areas will commence mid-September. With the introduction of the barley tariff it could be a year for barley hay in the west.
- 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
- After several warm weeks Northwest Tasmania have had a cold snap with many areas reporting snow. There was also 17 ml’s of rain recorded earlier in the week. Rain is forecast every day now for the next two weeks ranging from 5-10ml’s.
- 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. The grass had started to come away with the warmer conditions this may recede with wet. Growers did take advantage of the dry to plant wheat that wasn’t able to be planted back in April due to the wet.
- 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.
- There is no surplus in the region and with the cold snap there may be several new inquiries.
- Prices have held this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($220 to $280/t) Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($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.