National Summary
- The wet hay making conditions felt in Central South Australia as well as into the Mallee and Wimmera have now been felt across New South Wales and Northern Victoria.
- Areas are reporting it to be one of the wettest springs they have experienced in the last five years.
- As more hay is cut in the east curing times continue to be an issue due to big heavy crops and wet conditions.
- Demand continues to be very low and new season has prices still very hard to gauge with no real trade taking place. Reports that prices for good quality hay my jump due to the significant amount of weather damaged hay made this season.
- Farmers are wanting to purchase stock in particular cattle to convert the extra paddock feed they have rather than needing to source hay. A huge shift in demand to this time last year.
- Dairy farmers in Gippsland and Western Districts are concerned about the availability of good quality cereal and vetch hay following a wet hay season through the Mallee and Wimmera.
- Gippsland season is later and wetter to previous years with small curing windows. The conditions are affecting the quality of the crop.
- Good reports out of the west as the hay making season comes to end.
- 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 up and down conditions for making hay.
- The Darling Downs crops are well on track following good rainfall over the last two months. Majority of new season cereal hay is now in the bail, some of this has been impacted by late rain.
- Summer rainfall would be ideal to carry rhodes grass and lucerne crops through.
Southern Australia – Summary
- New South Wales and Victoria have been plagued by wet hay making conditions over the past month.
- New South Wales and Northern Victoria continue to cut hay. Some of the biggest crops they have seen in years. Yields are expected to be 10/t plus on cereal crops.
- Central South Australia and into the Mallee are finishing off the season now with significantly weather damaged hay.
- 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
- 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.
- After a dry start to the season Western Australia has finished well with reports of crops yielding up to 9/t across the Wheat Belt.
- 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, overcast days again this week.
- Conditions haven’t been favourable for hay making with continued cloud cover.
- Demand continues to be slow in the area due to good paddock feed and record-breaking cattle prices in Mareeba this week.
- Small amounts have moved locally for weaners.
- Some farmers may look to an alternative such as growing peanuts with demand being so low for hay and corn.
- 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
- Significant storms and hail have impacted the area.
- Many growers have now finished their cereal hay season.
- There is weather damaged hay in the region.
- Growers not looking to bail new season straw due to low on farm prices and the good availability of other fodder including damaged new season hay.
- Demand in general remains quiet in the Darling Downs due to low stock numbers in the area and cancelled horse events across the state.
- A wet summer would take the pressure off irrigation lucerne and rhodes grass.
- 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
- Parts of the North Coast have received up to 50mm rain over the past week. 10mm of rain is forecast for the next five days.
- The rain will freshen up grass in the region.
- New season hay is excellent and there is a good amount being made
- Inquiry is down on new season hay from previous years and growers will store as much as they can.
- Excellent cattle prices continue to influence demand.
- Small amounts of hay moving for local farmers.
- Cereal hay, straw, and lucerne prices quoted are for supplies to be carted into the region.
- Prices remain steady this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($270 to $300/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 have had 60mm this week.
- Most new season hay has had rain on it at some point now.
- There will be a big variance in the level of weather damage.
- Growers that tried to find a window in the weather have been left with wheat and barley crops that will now have to go through to grain as it’s too late to make hay.
- Reports of lucerne crops getting to mature and discoloured as growers cannot get an opportunity to cut due to the current conditions.
- Growers are now looking to summer plantings of sorghum and millet.
- The rain has brought good run off for dams and rivers with general irrigation allocation now at 32%.
- Prices remain steady this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($240 to $280/t). Prices have eased 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
- Up to 80mm of rain has fallen this week in the Bega region. With October recording nearly 150mm for the month.
- Rain continues to stop start the silage season.
- With good rain again in the area paddock grass with the warmer conditions will start to come away.
- Demand remains quiet in the Bega Valley.
- Livestock that went away on agistment haven’t returned to the area, instead farmers are taking advantage of the strong cattle market and selling.
- 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
- 10mm of rain fell across the area on the back of 25mm seven days prior.
- Big heavy crops in the area are requiring good drying time.
- Many growers already have weather damaged new season hay from the past fortnight.
- Conditions excellent for growers wanting to take a second cut of silage.
- Late crops are being cut now.
- 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
- 35mm of rain recorded this week in the northern part of Gippsland.
- Silage season continues to be plague by the wet conditions.
- A large quantity of round and pit silage has already been made.
- Cooler temperatures in the south has slowed pasture growth down.
- Corn plantings may not happen in southern Gippsland this year due to the continued wet conditions.
- Dairy farmers are wanting to secure undamaged new season quality vetch and oaten hay from the Mallee and Wimmera areas.
- 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
- No significant rain to report this week.
- Varying levels of damaged hay reported for the Mallee and Wimmera as most growers near the end of the season.
- Cereal in the Wimmera is yielding 8-10/t and vetch is 3.5/t and up. Vetch in the Mallee is varied but yielding approximately 2-3.5/t.
- New season hay is not selling from the paddock like previous years, growers are moving it into on farm storage.
- Dairy farmers in the south and Gippsland are concerned about the availability of quality new season 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
- Up to 20mm of rain has fallen at the end of the reporting week.
- The season has finished off well for the Southeast.
- Growers are looking for a break in conditions to start cutting.
- Area is very under stocked growers will take the opportunity to make pasture hay.
- Growers will hold off cutting as long as they can to try and avoid the rain events that continue to pass through the area.
- Curing could be an issue as already experienced in Central South Australia and just over the border in the Mallee region.
- Demand remains very slow in Southeast South Australia. It will be very difficult to sell new season 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
- Less than 5mm of rain recorded this week.
- Better conditions this week for bailing.
- 80% of hay in the area has been made.
- Late cut hay has a large amount of grain in the heads.
- There will be a significant amount of weather damaged new season hay with a big variance in quality.
- Potential new season straw already showing staining.
- Reports of growers that would normally have produced hay for export have put it away in the shed and will sell it domestically due to the damage.
- 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
- No significant rain to report this week for the west.
- Majority of growers have finished their cereal hay season.
- With not the best start to the season and trying conditions at the start of bailing the West has come away well.
- Crops have yielded from 4-9/t.
- Its reported export hay for top end is making $270-$290/t on farm and $200-$250/t for downgraded hay.
- Margert River area making pasture hay.
- 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
- Up to 25mm was recorded this week for Northwest Tasmania.
- Rain has fallen at the right times for the Northwest in comparison to last year making for a good season thus far.
- Silage production is more widespread in the area now.
- Demand is down and is a reflection of the good feed in the region.
- Reports of surplus feed with stock numbers down.
- – Dairy farmers continue to plant forage mix (Italian rye) that will either be grazed over the summer or made into silage in approximately January.
- 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.