National Summary
- Many areas have now finished the hay season, it has been a difficult finish for growers in the southern states after such a good lead in.
- Reports that hay production has been well down this season through NSW and into QLD due to the demand for hay being nearly non-existent. It was considered by many to be a safer option to take crops through for grain.
- Better conditions this last fortnight for those still making hay. Growers with later crops mainly in Northern Victoria and Southern NSW that could hold off have been able to produce a good product with no damage.
- Good quality hay may jump in price due to the significant amount of weather damaged hay made this season. Level pricing not normally seen from Northern NSW to Victoria is expected with only small fluctuations.
- A strong cattle market continues to impact demand in the eastern states with stock numbers now significantly reduced in many parts.
- Positive reports out of the west as the hay making season comes to end. This has been a good result after a very slow start to the season and a difficult 2019.
- 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 new season cereal hay is now in the bail, some of this has been impacted by late rain.
- Significant reduction in hay being made in the area.
- 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
- It has been a much dryer month for the Tablelands. Some rain has fallen closer to the coast.
- With warmer conditions now rhodes grass is needing to be irrigated to keep it going.
- Demand continues to be slow in the area due to good paddock feed.
- Small amounts have moved locally for weaners.
- The Tablelands has been an area that has stayed with round bails, now some farmers are considering large squares as it is a far more cost-effective option especially with freight involved.
- Growers in the area are now busy with lupin harvest.
- No change to pricing this week.
- 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 to report this week.
- The St George area is very dry at present and irrigation is running low.
- 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.
- Rain is needed now for those planting grain sorghum.
- Many growers this year significantly reduced the amount of hay they made due to the very low demand in the area.
- Farmers waiting for the cattle market to come back before considering restocking.
- A wet summer would take the pressure off irrigating 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
- Small amounts of rain are hitting the Coast. Approximately 5mm has fallen this week.
- The rain has been great grass rain with no runoff.
- Reports that the New England area is starting to dry out.
- Inquiry is down on new season hay from previous years and growers will store as much as they can.
- High cattle prices continue to influence demand. Cattle numbers are now well down in the area.
- Small amounts of hay moving for local farmers.
- Some demand now from dairy farmers seeking oaten hay. This is being sourced from the Gunnedah area.
- Small amount of straw going into farmers that are feed lotting.
- 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
- No rain to report this week.
- There has been a large amount of silage rounds made this year. This is very unusual for the Central West region.
- 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. There are small pockets that have produced some undamaged hay.
- Growers that could have pushed crops through for grain instead.
- Crops were reported to still yield well after a good lead in.
- Reports still of lucerne crops getting too mature and discoloured as growers have struggled to get an opportunity to cut due to the current conditions.
- Plenty of dry feed in paddocks for those who do have stock which is one factor keeping demand well down.
- 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
- 30mm of rain has been recorded for the month of November thus far.
- The last seven days have been dry.
- Growers are back making silage after a break due to weather conditions. Dairy farmers are onto a second cut now.
- Farmers are wanting to make as much silage as possible.
- With good rain again in the area paddock grass continues to do well.
- Demand remains quiet in the Bega Valley, no hay moving onto the coast.
- Some agistment stock that weren’t sold have returned to the region due to plenty of feed.
- 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
- 5-10mm of rain has fallen across the region this week from storms.
- Crops have been high yielding.
- Many growers already have weather damaged new season.
- The last fortnight has brought better hay making conditions, warm days, wind and no rain.
- Conditions excellent for growers wanting to take a second cut of silage.
- Very little demand in the area. Growers still have last season’s hay stored.
- 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 recorded this past week in the Gippsland region.
- Reported issues with pasture turning rank as growers have not been able to get onto paddocks to make silage with wet conditions.
- A large quantity of round and pit silage has already been made.
- Corn plantings may not happen in southern Gippsland this year due to the continued wet conditions and delays in the getting pastures off.
- Inquiries coming in for vetch, good quality undamaged is $200-$210 on farm in the Mallee region.
- Weather damaged vetch is priced as low as $140 on farm.
- 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
- Storms this week with varying amounts falling across the Southwest.
- 90% of all hay made in the Mallee and Wimmera has been damaged. The season is all but finished in the area now.
- Some growers that had severely damaged hay mulched the rows rather than try and bail it.
- Manangatang in the Mallee and Horsham are two locations that have been able to bail hay with minimal weather damage in comparison to other parts.
- New season hay is not selling from the paddock like previous years, growers are moving it into on farm storage.
- Growers are feed testing new season vetch to ascertain protein levels. If they are able to get 20% protein or greater, they are pricing at $190 on farm. As protein drops so does the price.
- 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
- Patchy storms this week for the Southeast.
- Growers have had close to fourteen days of dry conditions for hay making.
- There have been some growers that have had hay down earlier and has been affected by rain.
- First cut lucerne is being bailed at present and is making a good product with no damage.
- The rain has been beneficial for paddock feed, keeping clover and fescue going.
- 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
- Thunderstorms this week with minimal rain.
- Better conditions this last fortnight for bailing the last of the new season hay.
- There is a significant amount of weather damaged new season hay with a big variance in quality.
- A big percentage of hay for export has been downgraded to 4th and 5th grade.
- Exporters are looking closely at what they can take and reassessing values as well.
- Some growers turned sheep onto hay rows or mulched them back through headers rather than trying to bail due to the significant damage.
- Potential new season straw already showing staining.
- 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 rain recorded this week.
- The hay season is all but finished now.
- 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
- Northwest Tasmania has not seen any rain for the last fortnight.
- A large amount of grass silage has been made in the region.
- Plenty of good quality paddock feed still available.
- Those that have been still trying for more lucerne plantings have discovered the topsoil in paddocks has dried out with wind but there are still some soaks laying beneath.
- First cut lucerne has being going into silage any that has been made into hay has been in high demand.
- Some grass is running to head now and will be cut for hay within ten days depending on conditions.
- No major demand but farmers are considering options and want to put hay away now for the future.
- Much discussion on new season pricing but no changes to report.
- 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.