Hay Report – 14 August 2020

14 Aug 2020 | Hay Reports

National Summary

  • Good rainfall was reported in many parts of Australia over the past week. Two of the driest regions, the Darling Downs and Southwest Western Australia recorded 20-25mm.
  • The Mallee has also recorded good rainfall, this is important for farmers in Gippsland and the Western District who rely on this area to produce good quality hay.
  • A milder winter has provided plenty of green feed for stock through New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia, easing demand.
  • The cattle market remains strong which continues to affect demand as well.
  • Many growers have taken the opportunity to increase on farm covered storage in preparation for higher yields this season. Demand is expected to be low for some time and growers want the ability to hold as much as they can on farm.
  • 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.
  • Boarder closures and permit requirements are a concern for contractors as we start to approach the new silage and hay season.
  • In general, it is hard to gauge exact pricing due to the low inquiry for hay in all parts of Australia. New season hay prices are expected to be well down.
  • 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 in better shape now following good rainfall in the area. Silage season is starting in the area with some early crops.

Southern Australia – Summary

  • Crops are up and doing well across New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. With most areas continuing to receive good consistent rain.
  • 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 not produce as much due to the dry conditions.
  • 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.
  • Good widespread rain has been recorded after several dry months. More rain is still needed to finish the season off.
  • Prices remain strong for all fodder types in WA.

 

Regional Commentary

Atherton Tablelands

  • No significant rain to report this week in the Tablelands. A dryer week is expected next week.
  • 4-5 consecutive clear days are needed to successfully make hay.
  • Demand continues to be slow in the area. Some farmers may need additional hay to make up for new season grass that was burnt off by heavy frosts in July.
  • Prices are not expected to come back any further.
  • 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 25mm last weekend. More rain is forecast for next week.
  • The rain has given winter crops the boost they needed.
  • The Warwick area are starting to make silage, early oats and barley.
  • Demand remains quiet in the Darling Downs due to low stock numbers in the area.
  • Lucerne has been poor yielding this winter, this may be because of the varied weather conditions.
  • 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 received 10mm of rain last weekend.
  • Consistent rain has kept conditions mild and grass growing. The North Coast has also recorded zero frosts this winter.
  • A slight amount of inquiry has come from farmers wanting roughage to supplement the green feed and dairy farmers who have minimal storage. Growers closer to the coast will start making pasture silage within the month.
  • There is plenty of local silage available, but most farmers have ample paddock feed.
  • 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 did not receive as much rain as first predicted from the last front. 25-30mm of rain is forecast for this weekend. No water logging at this stage.
  • A cold change is expected next week which will help slow down any advanced crops.
  • New lucerne planted in the autumn has germinated incredibly well and is approximately 30cm’s tall. Lucerne is expected to make excellent hay this year as the plantings have not been irrigated, this makes for a finer plant and good leaf.
  • Demand is minimal and is predicted it could stay that way now for some time. There is more feed in paddocks then needed.
  • A small amount of weather damaged cereal hay is moving, it is being 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

  • Bega recorded 45mm of rain last week.
  • 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

  • The Goulburn/Murray Valley recorded 20-30mm last weekend. Light showers have continued to fall all week. The Valley is forecast for a wet week ahead.
  • Urea applications continue to go out.
  • Crops in the area have lifted following the rain.
  • Very little demand in the area 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

  • Maffra area recorded 8mm of rain, more is forecast for this coming week.
  • Grazing crops are doing well in the area. Silage season is 6-8 weeks away depending on weather conditions over the next month.
  • Farmers, predominantly dairy are only picking up a load as they need. Inquiries are for weather damaged cereal for milkers and vetch for spring calvers. Cereal and vetch hay coming in from the Mallee.
  • The season can still be wet through until the end of September and this will reflect on demand.
  • No changes to pricing and it should hold at this until new season hay comes onto the market.
  • 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.
  • There are still good supplies of local feed. Farmers are only buying what they need to get through.
  • Local demand remains steady this week. Up to five B-doubles are coming in from the Mallee to dairies weekly. These are normal orders and not new inquiries.
  • If the area was to receive more rain over the next 2-3 weeks, then this could push demand up.
  • Cereal hay has come back slightly this week. Vetch from the Mallee is being delivered into the Southwest for $280-$340/t.
  • Cereal hay: -$15 ($200 to $230/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

  • 10mm of rain for the Southwest last week and another 15-30mm forecast for the coming weekend.
  • The rain has boosted crops in the area. Urea is going out and the first winter sprayings.
  • Demand remains very slow in Southeast South Australia. Victorian stores that purchase small squares from SA are more inclined to keep their stocks up at present due to COVID-19.
  • 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.
  • Lamb growers in the area that have kept stock after the market crashed still have plenty of feed in paddocks.
  • 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

  • Rain has been received in the area, 10-20mm over the past week.
  • After a dry period since April and heavy frosts crops will lift after the recent falls. More rain is forecast for the coming week.
  • Demand remains quiet in central South Australia. 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

  • Widespread rainfall has been recorded in the West, up to 25mm.
  • Confidence has been restored but more follow up rain is needed to finish off the season.
  • 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

  • Northwest have had damp conditions for the last three days this is expected to continue into early next week.
  • Cereal crops are up and looking good. Growers are looking for an early window to plant lucerne.
  • Demand increased following Tasmania’s cold snap. Growers are trying 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.
  • Prices have held this week and are not expected to come down any further.
  • 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.