National Commentary
- October looks to be a wet month with many parts of southern NSW, Victoria and SA set to again receive rain over the next seven days.
- Central SA and the Mallee in Victoria have already had hay damaged from rainfall over the last fortnight. There will be varying degrees of damage, nothing significant at this stage but with the predicted rain to come growers are concerned.
- Growers who traditionally produce 50% hay and 50% grain in Southern Australia are now considering pushing as much through to grain as they can. With the reports of a wetter than average spring still and low hay prices the risk is too high for some.
- Prices continue to be unchanged, there is still very little demand across all states. New season prices are thought to settle by mid to late October as more areas start production. There is still a significant amount of nervousness from growers about pricing and at this stage with the lack of demand nothing has been set.
- Dairy farmers in Gippsland and Southwest Victoria are wanting to secure good quality new season vetch and cereal hay. They are looking to contractors and traders to source a good product and terms for the next twelve months.
- Boarder closures and permit requirements continue to be a concern for contractors as the 100km bubble does not allow them to reach all clients.
- We caution buyers and recommend feed-testing and viewing fodder before purchasing to be sure of quality of the feed.
Northern Australia – Summary
- Demand in the Atherton Tablelands remains steady with a small amount moving for weaner cattle and into trade stores for the equine industry.
- Atherton Tablelands have had much better conditions for making hay over the last month.
- The Darling Downs crops are well on track following good rainfall over the last two months. Cereal hay continues to be cut but there is still little to no demand.
Southern Australia – Summary
- Crops continue to do well across New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. With most areas receiving good consistent rainfall.
- Silage season has commenced in Central NSW and Northern Victoria with advanced crops. Central New South Wales will start cutting hay within the fortnight once the next weather front passes. Northern Victoria will also start cutting mid-October depending on conditions.
- Growers are anticipating a significant amount of hay to be made this season. 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
- Confidence has been restored to the west following more significant rain. There is no demand at present and will stay like this until new season hay is available with a majority of it going for export depending on quality.
- 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.
- Cutting has begun in the east and also the top of the Wheat Belt. Warm conditions are quickly finishing off the season.
- Good rain that came late in the season has been ideal for many parts finishing off crops. There are areas that have missed out especially the east and growers are expecting yields to be below average.
- Prices remain strong for all fodder types in WA.
Regional Commentary
Atherton Tablelands
- No significant rain to report for the Tablelands this past week.
- Conditions have been relatively good for hay making.
- Demand continues to be slow in the area. Local growers are putting rhodes grass away in sheds.
- With the low demand some growers may start to let paddocks go through to seed.
- The area would have normally dried off by now but there is still plenty of green feed.
- 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
- No rain this past week.
- Cereal hay continues to be cut in the area.
- Demand in general remains quiet in the Darling Downs due to low stock numbers in the area. Feedlots also not wanting significant amounts either.
- With a predicted wet summer, growers are already planning for corn and sorghum.
- 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
- No rain to report on the North Coast.
- Hay making conditions have been ideal, no dew, cooler nights and warm days.
- The quality of the hay is excellent and there is a good amount being made in the Lismore area.
- Silage has been made even though there is still a significant amount of last year’s still available.
- Inquiry is down on new season hay from previous years and growers will store as much as they can.
- If it stays dry for the next two to three weeks demand may pick up.
- 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 has become wet again over the last fortnight. More rain is forecast for the coming week.
- There are reports that growers are aerial spraying for rust.
- With rain forecast many are waiting for this to pass before more cereal hay is cut.
- Crops are early with oaten hay traditionally not being made till early November.
- There is expected to be a significant amount of new season hay made in the area.
- Reports that teff grass will soon be planted before conditions become too warm.
- Lucerne hay is in demand, inquiry mainly from produce stores. Next cut of lucerne is two to three weeks away.
- Minimal demand and no major inquiry for new season fodder.
- 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
- No rain to report this week. The area is looking for rain now with less than 10mm recorded for the month of September.
- Some farmers have been irrigating, 25mm of rain would be ideal.
- Growers are making silage now.
- Paddock grass should pick up in October depending on weather conditions.
- Demand remains quiet in the Bega Valley.
- 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
- Up to 10mm was recorded in the area over the past seven days. Significant rain is forecast for the coming week.
- Crops in the area are doing well with the warmer days.
- Growers have been spraying fungicide as crops have suffered from rust with the wet conditions in July and August.
- Advanced crops are being made into silage.
- Growers are waiting for the next weather front to pass before cutting any hay.
- Very little demand in the area.
- 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 significant rain to report this week.
- Conditions have been good for making silage and it’s well under way. It is two weeks earlier than normal.
- Spring weather in the area is seeing paddock feed increase.
- Dairy farmers are wanting to secure new season vetch and oaten hay from the Mallee and Wimmera areas.
- No changes to pricing. By mid-October new season prices should be locked in.
- 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
- 60mm of rain was recorded in the area last week.
- Silage production is up on previous years.
- Vetch continues to the cut in the Mallee, as well as cereal hay.
- There will be weathered damaged hay in the Mallee, the damage will vary.
- Inquiry is starting to come through for new season vetch and cereal hay.
- No changes to pricing to report this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($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
- 20mm of rain is forecast for the Southeast this coming week.
- Rain has been timely for the area and has produced a good spring.
- Crops continue to do well.
- The Bordertown region is still three to four weeks off cutting hay. Further north some earlier crops have been cut.
- Demand remains very slow in Southeast South Australia. It will be very difficult to sell new season hay.
- 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
- 50mm of rain fell across Central SA over the last fortnight.
- Rain is forecast on and off for the next seven days.
- Hay is on the ground now and it has been impacted by the rain. The weekends warmer temperatures will dry things out.
- There could be a significant amount of weather damaged new season hay.
- The start of the week did bring a heavy frost after a significant cold front had past through.
- The season is earlier than normal.
- Paddock grass is good, and demand continues to be well down. Cereal and lucerne hay stubbles will be able to handle good grazing this 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
- Drizzly conditions have been plaguing the Southwest.
- Across the Wheat Belt conditions had come in dry and growers made the decision to cut even though it was still early.
- With damp conditions and a cool change hay is slow to cure. There are reports that some growers have had hay down for three weeks now and it is still not ready.
- Three quarters of the state has cut hay now but only approximately 10% of that has been able to be bailed.
- Conditions are varied and this is resulting in big difference in yields from one property to the next.
- Predicted average across the Southwest at this stage looks to be 4.5/t.
- Hay plantings are significantly up this year.
- 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 are forecast for 50mm this coming weekend.
- Crops are good but with the colder weather they are slow to take off.
- Concerns over significant rainfall for late in the season.
- If the conditions stay favourable it will be a good fodder season.
- Lucerne plantings have been hard to get in due to the weather.
- Inquiries have been steady. Stores are getting low now.
- 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.