Grain – Hay Report – 15 August 2013

International & National Summary – Grain:

• This last week the USDA confirmed to the market what most expected – that there is a BIG grain crop on the way in the northern hemisphere for 2013/14 – which more than likely will drive grain prices lower over 2013/14.
• Having said that, the market keeps responding to any upside news if a weather problem pops its head up, just like a potential upward move for oilseed prices if a cold snap or frost damages what is already a late US soybean and Canadian canola crop. These are risks, but there is no confirmed damage at this point.
• The northern hemisphere cereal crops (wheat and corn) are much closer to being in the bin, so the prospect of a price rise coming out of that scenario is getting slim. That leaves the factors which could drive prices higher in the last half of 2013 down to :– a slump in southern hemisphere crop prospects (Aussie crop is coming along well so far), new demand (China can be a wildcard here), or a sliding A$ which could hold A$ prices up. Overall however, the outlook for grain prices into 2013/14 is bearish.
• Local crops in Australia are advancing well for this stage in the season. Generally, crops are on track for average yields at this stage. As always, it will be the spring time weather which really sets the yield.
• Old crop supply of feedgrains remains tight on the east coast of Australia due to strong feedlot demand and an active export program. For that reason, we may not see the full reductions in grain prices on the east coast until our new crop arrives in Nov/Dec.
• A message out of this is don’t assume supply will be available freely from August-October unless you have had discussions with your feed supplier about your requirements. There may be price spikes in this period if users are caught short.
• It is two weeks since our last report and the local grain market traded about $5-20 lower depending on which grains or region. Barley is down $15-20 in the northern states of Qld/NSW and wheat is down $10-20 in South Aust.
• The most important issue for dairy farmers is not trying to pick the bottom of the 2013/14 grain market, but to manage their margin-over-feed-cost risk and make a start on covering their forward grain needs if the quoted prices allow them to make a margin, taking into account the 2013/14 milk pricing which has been announced by the milk processors over the last few months.

National Summary – Hay:

• With the fodder season just around the corner demand for hay across the country is starting to slow down. Cash flow is one of the key drivers for decreasing activity in the hay market, particularly in the dairy sector.
• Despite a drop in fodder prices in southern Victoria and South East SA a few weeks ago there hasn’t been a lot of movement in fodder prices nationally this week.
• Coming into the 2013 fodder season there is going to be very little carry over fodder. Contractors and packaging suppliers are anticipating a big hay season right across the country as farmers try to re-fill hay sheds. At this year’s National Fodder Conference held in Palm Cove last week hay growers, traders and contractors from right across the country generally expressed optimism toward the hay season ahead. In most regions, despite a late start for some, the fodder season is shaping up well with good yields expected and lots of interest in making hay.
• North Central Victoria is looking particularly good with cereal crops destined for oaten hay set to yield at about 3t/ha or as good as 5-6/t ha if there is decent follow up rain in early spring.
• With good water allocations available for the summer cropping season it is likely that there will be an increased interest in maize silage.
• In Queensland feedlots and dairy’s remain active buyers. New season hay should come onto the market as early as late August or September and will provide some relief for buyers who are struggling to source fodder presently. We have had reports of cereal crops already being chopped for silage and cut for hay in Southern Queensland.
• Straw is still in demand, particularly in South West Victoria and South Eastern South Australia. Supplies are starting to become very low now.
• The season in WA has dried of considerably over the past few weeks. Although there was patchy rain across the state over the past week most are forecasting reduced crop yields, particularly in the eastern wheat belt where it is very dry. There will be serious concern for the fodder season ahead in WA if there are no substantial rain events in the near future.
• Most areas of QLD remain very dry and fodder has been sourced from as far away as Central SA and southern Victoria to supply desperate buyers through the region. Areas that have access to water and can bale lucerne have been selling their hay straight behind the baler.
• Reports of graziers in South West Victoria, South East South Australia and the Wimmera-Mallee turning livestock onto winter crops and pastures initially intended for hay could be an indication that fodder shortages might be set to continue into 2014. This will depend on the season, particularly rainfall events in late winter and early spring.

This report has been commissioned by Dairy Australia to provide an independent and timely assessment of grain and hay markets in each dairying region. It should be remembered that actual prices may vary for quality or other reasons. All prices are quoted are exclusive of GST.

The information in this report is collected and disseminated with due care and attention to its accuracy, but Dairy Australia accepts no liability if, for any reason, the information is inaccurate, incomplete or out of date.

Notes: Prices are estimates based on delivery to dairy farms with allowance for freight, storage, and marketing costs, but exclusive of GST. Wheat prices are for the relevant stockfeed wheat available in a region (ASW, AGP, SFW1 or FED1) and F1 for barley.

Notes: Hay prices are delivered, GST exclusive based on shredded hay without weather damage, of good quality and colour. It should be noted there is a wide variation in quality for hay, so prices are indicative for a mid-range product.

• Mareeba August rainfall: 0mm (Ave: 10.1mm).
• YTD: 710.4mm (Ave: 742.5). Rainfall for this time last year was 816mm.
• No rain at all over the past two weeks
• Feed for cows now needs to come from tablelands irrigation country
• Wheat: $ -3 ($365 to $375). All CQ wheat still milling quality until the new season starts to come up. All confined to GrainCorp now, so farmers don’t have much negotiating power.
• Barley: $ -17 ($401 to $411). A lot lower but still well out of contention for dairy feed this far north.
• Corn prices $ +10 ($388 to $398). Buyers for specific uses of corn have emerged, firming the feed corn market all through QLD.
• Sorghum: $ -9 ($345 to $355). Exporters aren’t so active now. More interest towards incoming wheat from CQ.
• Grain usage seems to be mainly coming from trucked up CQ sorghum, with a lot of producers blending in lower grades of Tablelands feed corn.

• Growers in the region are now preparing for the dry season ahead, taking advantage of good baling weather in the past few weeks to conserve and store fodder. It is anticipated that the strong demand won’t ease in the short term.
• How long the high demand continues will depend on how many livestock station owners can afford to keep. The ability to pay for fodder to feed cattle will play a key role in this decision.
• Rhodes grass Hay – Steady- ($265-$285): Supplies of hay are lower than usual, after a dry wet season; however the quality is good as baling conditions have been favourable.

• Toowoomba August Rainfall: 0.2mm (Ave: 34.5mm).
• YTD: 894.8mm (Ave: 460.7mm), compared to 470.2mm this time last year.
• Dry conditions all through south eastern QLD for the past two weeks. This situation has enabled some cutting and curing of pasture hay to take place with satisfactory results.
• Wheat: $ -3 ($311 to $321). Most of the major grain users claim they have cover for their needs through to the new harvest price trends support this.
• Feed Barley: $ -17 ($326 to $336). The premium of barley over wheat is quickly fading. It developed when feedlots had specific needs for barley over sorghum for white fat on meat.
• Corn $ +10 ($340 to $350). A few buyers of corn for specific needs within QLD have lifted the feed corn price, thus favouring sorghum usage for cows.
• Sorghum: $ -1 ($287 to $297). Remaining steady now that all crops in CQ and SQ are off and export interest into China is limited.
• Feed grain prices seem to be on the slide with first new crops of wheat and barley expected in late September.
• Sorghum is the cheapest feed grain and taking the volume of the animal feed trade.

• Demand remains consistent from feedlots and the dairy industry, and prices are unchanged this week.
• Planting of cereals intentioned for hay was slightly up this year and baling new season hay will commence as early as August/September when the weather is better suited to curing hay.
• Cereal Hay – Steady – ($330-$360): Cereal hay is in particularly short supply nationally and is being freighted big distances to meet demand.
• Lucerne Hay – Steady – ($400-$450): Local new season lucerne should become available as early as September. The horse and hobby markets are the most active buyers presently and paying $12-15/bale for premium quality lucerne where it is available.
• Straw – Steady – ($120-$150): Feedlots remain active buyers. The quality was good but there isn’t a lot of reserve stock available.
• Pasture – Steady- ($180-$200): There is strong demand from lot feeders and station owners for pasture hay, which is driving the price up. Buyers are attempting to secure enough rations for winter.

• Lismore August rainfall total: 1mm (Ave: 47.7mm).
• YTD: 1023mm (Ave: 871mm), compared to 950mm this time last year.
• A dry two weeks along the north coast and mid north coast.
• SFW Wheat: $ -3 ($364 to $374). Rather than worrying about paying a premium for milling quality wheat, interest should lie with more genuine feed grains such as sorghum.
• Feed Barley: $ -20 ($371 to $381). Premium over wheat doesn’t encourage barley usage in dairy feed at this time. Over the next six weeks this should revert to a $20-25 discount to 70/10-grade wheat.
• Corn $ +10 ($390 to $400). This price for Downs feed corn delivered south. Worth keeping a look out for local sorghum crops which will be much cheaper.
• Sorghum: $ +0 ($304 to $314). Sorghum is now the main grain in use for coastal dairy herds.
• Grain prices are easing at the new season wheat and barley crops from south western QLD will be stripped within the next six weeks.
• Sorghum significantly stands out as the cheapest source of energy.

• The region is still very damp after one of the wettest years on record. Pasture growth has slowed and some buyers are looking to purchased fodder for supplementary feeding.
• Over the past few weeks demand has started to firm up and prices have increased. Pasture hay is in highest demand and saw a slight price rise this week.
• Local fodder supplies are short and the region will be looking to a good cereal hay harvest in South East QLD for supply in the coming weeks.
• Cereal Hay – Steady- ($280-$320): Cereal hay is very difficult to source at present. New season hay from Southern QLD could be available as early as August, if baling conditions are suitable.
• Lucerne Hay – Steady – ($350-$400): There is very little lucerne available locally or in other supply regions throughout the state. Hobby farmers are very active buyers presently and due to demand small squares have increased to $14/bale.
• Pasture Hay –Steady – ($160-$180): Locally pasture hay is the most sought after as both dairies and beef producers try to keep their costs down. The quality is generally good this year but supply is low.

• Forbes August rainfall: 16mm (Ave: 38.2mm).
• YTD: 380mm (Ave: 302.2mm), compared to 499mm this time last year.
• Good rains in the central west through this week.
• Crops are running up now after having being tillered.
• SFW Wheat: $ -5 ($245 to $255). As said previously all wheat left is milling quality, however a premium shouldn’t be paid for 70/10 wheat if your supplier can only deliver ASW.
• F1 Barley: $ -8 ($234 to $244). The adjustment down brings feed barley back to traditional discount to feed wheat.
• Lower export interest; supplies are most likely adequate to take domestic demand through to new crop harvest in November.
• Corn $ +0 ($370 to $380). A strong premium over other grades, trades are therefore slow for home mix uses.
• Sorghum $ +2 ($318 to $328). Freight prevents its use if it needs to be trucked down from the summer rainfall areas.
• Grain prices are trending lower as exporter interest declines for both wheat and sorghum, on the back of reducing availability of old crop stocks.

• Demand for fodder is steady through the central west but supply is limited. The key buyers are hobby farmers and chaff mills. Bulk hay, particularly of lucerne in big squares is now in very short supply.
• The season is shaping well for a good fodder harvest after steady rain in the last few months.
• Cereal hay – Steady ($250-$300): There is very little supply locally in large squares. Cereal hay in small squares is in very short supply as well but still trading at $8-12/bale to horse and hobby farm buyers.
• Lucerne -Steady – ($350-$400): There is very limited second grade hay available for trading which is keeping the price of lucerne high. Good quality small square bales are steady at around $11-12/bale.
• Straw – Steady ($115-$135): The Central West is not traditionally a big area for straw and there is not a huge supply.
• Pasture hay – Steady – ($145-$155) – Supply is very limited as it is not a regular market for the region.

• Bega August rainfall total: 3mm (Ave: 30.6mm).
• YTD: 346mm (Ave: 440mm), compared to 658mm this time last year.
• Just two millimetres of rain this week for Bega and similar falls for Bodalla and Tathra.
• SFW Wheat $ -3 ($271 to $281). Most producers have been feeding wheat to cows over the winter. It should continue in this region for another two months.
• Feed barley $ -8 ($251 to $261). With less exporter interest in barley for China in containers, the commodity has now slipped back to its traditional discount to feed wheat for domestic consumers.
• Triticale $ -10 ($261 to $271). Lower as growers with stocks run out of supplies before the new crops come off. In contract to wheat/barley triticale is held in grower silos.
• Oats: $ -10 ($278 to $288). Still demand for oats for sheep on the cold country of the Monaro. Elsewhere excellent feed for cows.
• Feed on the hill paddocks continues to remain green and growing but for any silage or hay making activity, the soils will need to be a lot wetter come spring.
• Otherwise conditions are looking ok, with better milk prices it is making the milk to grain ratio more attractive for producers for spring/summer supplementary feeding.

• Fodder to the Bega Valley is coming from Central West NSW, the Southern Tablelands and the Riverina and is in very short supply. Demand has started to slow largely due to the high prices for hay.
• With the shortage of hay locally it is timely to consider net year’s fodder requirements and as the fodder season gets closer start making arrangements to secure your hay supply now. New season cereal hay cut in spring 2012 was valued at around $215/t the same fodder is now selling for $315/t delivered into Bega. With a potential saving of $100t there is a lot to be gained from investing in new season hay behind the baler in spring.
• Cereal Hay – Steady – ($280- $320): Prices remain steady due to easing demand.
• Lucerne –Steady – ($350-$400): Buyers are searching further afield to source lucerne and it is in very low supply nationally.
• Straw – Steady- ($180-$200): There wasn’t a lot of straw baled in the supplying regions and now there is strong competition from other sectors. High prices are reflecting the lack of supply.
• Tatura August rain: 54mm (Ave: 48mm)
• YTD: 290mm (Ave: 323mm), compared to 396mm this time last year.

• Rain was around 20mm at Shepparton, Tatura and Kyabram, a bit less to the west and north yet more to the dairy farmers in the north east.
• Wheat: $ +0 ($280 to $290). Wheat is still the main ingredient for home mixes. More cows are coming back to the sheds after calving. Grain usage rates remain high to stimulate large milk volumes at the start of lactation.
• F1 Barley: $ -5 ($259 to $269). For this region barley pricing is back into its traditional discount range to wheat. Conditions warmer but farmers still favour wheat in home mixes.
• Triticale: $ -4 ($269 to $279). Triticale holders want to quit old season stocks by mid November.
• Feed Oats: $ -10 ($235 to $245). Still relatively high demands for oats for sheep on colder country of the Strathbogies and Mansfield areas. Elsewhere excellent feed for sheep and horses.
• Good grass in paddocks now, plenty of protein going into cows. No need for protein in supplements at this time.
• River levels are up – some warning of minor flooding in the north east.
• A very good way to be approaching spring and the summer irrigations season.

• Fodder trading is starting to slow now as more winter feed becomes available. Prices remain steady for now.
• With the silage season now only a few weeks away for some growers, buyer are holding out for the season ahead as opposed to paying for fodder, where possible.
• With the season favouring growers so far good hay yields are predicted this spring. Contractors are already getting phone calls which suggest there is already a focus on fodder conservation coming into the region.
• Cereal hay – Steady – ($330-$350) – Cereal hay is still available from traders but supply is low and as a result prices are remaining firm. Small squares are available and trading for about $14-$15/bale delivered.
• Lucerne hay – Steady – ($350-$400) – Supply is now very low and there are no reports of uncommitted lucerne locally. Small squares are also hard to source and are trading at around $14/bale on farm.
• Straw – Steady – ($130-$170) – Demand for straw has picked up in the last few weeks and remains steady.
• Vetch – Steady – ($340 – 380) – Vetch is very difficult to source anywhere in the country.

• Sale August rainfall: 26mm (Ave: 46mm).
• YTD: 367mm (Ave: 371mm), compared to 453mm this time last year.
• 20-30mm this week across east and west Gippsland, conditions are very wet.
• SFW Wheat: $ +0 ($312 to $322). Wheat prices remained steady over the period since the last report.
• Barley: $ -5 ($296 to $306). Domestic demand for feed barley remains slow, exporters are more active on new crop.
• Triticale: $ -5 ($302 to $312). With a big crop coming in, triticale holders in the North east are willing sellers and anxious to quit stocks.
• Feed Oats: $ -10 ($235 to $245). Fewer oats now being use on sheep anywhere in south eastern Australia.
• Rivers and creeks are running high as they drain the region to the lakes and the sea, too wet to apply any hay booster fertiliser.
• More grass growing, farmers are able to alter cow-grazing rotations to allow some paddocks to be locked up already for silage and maybe hay production.

• Demand for fodder remains steady across the region and prices are unchanged this week.
• Fodder supply is very low and the high cost of freight into Gippsland is encouraging buyers to seek alternative fibre sources such as palm kernel meal, and almond hulls, which can be delivered into the region for around $130-140/t.
• Cereal Hay –Steady- ($350-$400) – Supply of cereal hay is low but it is still accessible. The high cost of cereal hay is prompting buyers to look for alternatives like almond hulls and straw.
• Lucerne Hay – Steady – ($380-$420) – Lucerne hay is in vey short supply nationally.
• Vetch – Steady– ($400+) – There is very little available nationally.
• Straw – Steady – ($200-$220) – There is still some straw available being sourced from Central Victoria and the Wimmera-Mallee. Demand for straw is steady as buyers seek functional fibre and cheaper alternatives to cereal hay. However the freight back to Gippsland is adding significant cost for buyers who are advised to carefully calculate costs based on their nutritional requirements when looking to freight straw.
• Pasture – Steady – ($280-$300) –Very short supply of any grade pasture hay across Southern Australia, including the usual local supply of round bale pasture which has been cleaned out.

• · Port Fairy August rainfall: 118mm (Ave: 90.4mm).
• · YTD: 569mm (Ave: 492mm), compared to 512mm this time last year.
• · Still very wet in this area, with a lot of rain coming in this month already.
• · SFW1 Wheat: $ +0 ($281 to $291). Steady prices since the last report two weeks ago. Incoming crops shaping up well but local crops still holding a lot of ponded surface water.
• · Feed Barley: $ +0 ($253 to $263). Steady as well. Margins against wheat suggest it will narrow over the next few weeks. Wheat is still the main energy grain used over winter.
• · Triticale prices $ -5 ($270 to $280). With incoming crop prospects good grower holders of triticale are keen seller. Most triticale is now held in grower silos.
• · Feed oat $ -10 ($221 to $231) Fewer oats now being used on sheep anywhere in SE Australia. Good prospects for incoming crops.
• · Not all paddocks in the stock rotations due to risks of them becoming pugged.
• · West coast dairy farms had another 30-40mm of rain this week, a lot more than was needed. However this will underpin spring pasture growth and extend the spring growing period.

• Demand for fodder is slowing now with some more pasture and winter feed becoming available for grazing. Lack of cash flow is also a prominent factor in the buyer’s ability to pay for fodder.
• Prices remain steady after a slight dip a few weeks ago and with the fodder season getting closer it is expected prices will drop further in the coming weeks.
• Cereal – Steady- ($320 – $330): Cereal hay isn’t available in large quantities but supplies are still available from some of the key traders and exporters.
• Lucerne – Steady – ($330-$350): The usual suppliers of lucerne from North Central Victoria and South East South Australia are very low or completely out of stock. Where there are supplies of vetch available it is trading at a similar price to Lucerne.
• Straw – Steady – ($130-$160): High-grade barley straw is priced between $120-$140 ex farm, wheat straw is about $100-$110 ex farm, and supply is becoming low.
• Pasture hay – Steady – ($260 – $300): Pasture hay is in short supply and very difficult to source across the state.

• Mount Gambier August rainfall: 97.2mm (Ave: 95.4mm).
• YTD: 483.4mm (Ave: 491.4mm), compared to 440.8mm this time last year.
• Rains subsided this week with most grain areas only getting five millimetres for the week.
• Wheat $ -10 ($280 to $290). Wheat prices are currently cheaper for exporters out of Port Adelaide than Portland or Geelong. Subsequently there is an increases demand for wheat out of South Australian silos.
• Feed barley $ +2 ($271 to $281). Demand for feed barley is still low, as cows require the extra energy from wheat.
• Triticale $ -10 ($265 to $275). Triticale following wheat down. Dairy farmers still requiring grain to feed cows until growth rates of southern pastures improve.
• Oat prices $ -10 ($210 to $220) Most of the sheep areas have enough new feed that they do not currently need any grain oat supplements. Price drop is being driven by the lack of demand.
• Incoming crops in western Victoria and southeast South Australia as well as the Murray Mallee are improving with June and July rains. Growers are hoping the wet winter will harbour a wet spring and a good finish.
• SA June milk production was down an enormous 13.9 per cent on the June 2012 figures.
• Pasture growth responses are still slow due to the cold conditions of present.

• Despite a mild winter it is quite damp in South East South Australia and growers are optimistic about a good hay season in the coming months.
• Demand for most fodder types has started to slow now with the exception of straw which is still trading at fairly typical quantities for this time of year.
• Cereal – -Steady- ($280-$300): Cereal hay is still available in the key supplying regions and prices are starting to come back a little.
• Lucerne – Steady- ($300-$320): Supply is becoming very low through the region.
• Straw – Steady – ($140-$160): Trading remains steady and supply is running low.
• Pasture – Steady – ($250-$280): Pasture has been snapped up early by the livestock buyers and is becoming harder to source now.
• Vetch – $320-$330 – There is still some vetch in stock and prices have eased a little from around $350/t delivered to about $325/t.

• Murray Bridge August rainfall: 19.8mm (Ave: 36.5mm).
• YTD: 263.4mm (Ave: 226.5mm). 324.8mm this time last year.
• South Australian crops are looking really good as grain growers continue to become more confident in this years incoming crop. Yorke Peninsula had 5-10mm which was very helpful.
• Wheat $ -23 ($271 to $281). Prices came down as holders of old crop grain want to clear out inventory ahead of incoming cereal crops which look promising.
• Feed barley $ +4 ($266 to $276). Not a strong demand as exporters meet competition from Black Sea’s grain exports.
• Triticale $ -10 ($260 to $270). Triticale is following wheat down at the moment. Incoming prospects for all crops are good and improving, hence the need to quit old crop stocks ahead of a new harvest.
• Feed oats $ -15 ($203 to $213). Less sheep demand currently for oats with paddock feed increasing.
• SA June milk production was down a massive 13.9 per cent on June 2012 litres.

• Hay supplies are low but traders are still getting enquiries, with the biggest demand coming out of the Victorian dairy regions.
• Prices remain firm and some buyers are reconsidering their fodder needs based on these high prices, as well as spring being just around the corner.
• Cereal Hay – Steady- ($250-$300) –Where cereal hay is available, quality is very high.
• Lucerne – Steady- ($300+) – Low supply is due to limited acreages and poor results from dryland Lucerne in SA this year. There appears to be no big quantities of Lucerne available anywhere on the domestic market.
• Straw – Steady – ($120-$130) – Any straw on farm is likely to be under contract but demand from the domestic market is fairly quiet at this stage.
• Vetch – Steady ($300+) – Where available growers are asking top dollar for good quality vetch hay.

• Bunbury August rainfall: 67.6mm (Ave: 115.7mm).
• YTD 501.8mm (Ave: 573.8mm), compared to 450.6mm this time last year.
• Very good rains throughout the whole grain growing areas this past week and more expected this week.
• Wheat: $ -10 ($302 to $312). Wheat remains the desired commodity in the colder conditions. Prices lower as August rains through at least western wheat areas, ensures their incoming season.
• Feed barley $ -15 ($272 to $282). There is the expectation feed grain prices will drop significantly as harvest approaches despite poor yield prospects within WA. Not as strong demand as exporters from Black Sea’s grain exporters.
• Triticale $ -15 ($270 to $280). Triticale is following wheat down.
• Oats -15 ($180 to $190). Less demand for oats as it is no longer needed for sheep feed. Sheep are instead being put into vetch crops in many places reducing the need for oats.
• June 2013 milk production was up 4.8 per cent on the June 2012 litres.
• Cereal crops are now bulking up after tillering.

• For growers in the key hay growing regions have had a good start to the season so far. Expecting good yields coming into this year’s harvest.
• Demand for hay is steady on the domestic market; WA hasn’t experienced the spike in demand from the domestic market as seen in other states.
• Parts of WA, particularly the eastern wheat belt have dried off quickly which could compromise their fodder harvest for 2013 in those areas.
• Cereal hay – Steady– ($200-$250): Cereal hay prices have increased this week due to the rising demand from the domestic market.
• Lucerne – Steady – ($400-$500) – Demand for Lucerne has increased, supply is running low and chaff mills are active buyers of premium quality hay. The main domestic activity is from local horse markets and prices are peaking at around $470/t on farm.
• Straw – Steady- ($90-$120): There is very little straw available for trading throughout the state. There is some lower grade straw around that didn’t make export grade after being rained on before baling.
• Pasture – Steady ($110 – $130): There seems to be good stocks of pasture hay available to trade.

• Smithton August rainfall: 159.0mm (Ave: 119.9mm).
• YTD: 579mm (Ave: 594.9mm), compared to 581.6mm this time last year.
• Heavy rains experienced in the region. Most areas received 60 to 100mm.
• Wheat $ +0 ($360 to $370). Wheat prices have not moved over the past two weeks. Feed consumption is currently low, as many cows have been dried off.
• Feed barley $ -5 ($350 to $360). Barley prices are easing at the moment with exporters showing more interest in new crop purchases at present.
• Triticale prices $ -5 ($358 to $368). Needs to be cheaper relative to wheat to attract buyers.
• Oats prices $-10 ($303 to $313). With enough natural feed available the demand for oats is considerably less.
• June milk production was almost steady when compared to the previous year down 0.9 per cent.
• The region is extremely wet at the moment with little tractor work possible. Winter paddock feed is still strong as the paddocks take time to drain.

• Fodder supplies are very low in Tasmania and demand remains strong.
• With very limited supplies of fodder throughout Tasmania buyers have been seeking ryegrass straw and any other type of roughage they can source to get through winter. It is very cold and there is very little paddock feed available.
• Cereal Hay – Steady – ($205-$225): Stocks are very low due to lack of production for fodder and high competition in the grain sector.
• Lucerne – Steady – ($300-$350): Lucerne supplies are limited; silage in particular is in high demand but not easy to source.
• Straw – Steady – ($135-$145): Given the dry harvest conditions the quality of straw is high and is starting to move now, with demand at this time of year coming from mainland mushroom growers.
• Pasture Hay – Steady – ($160-$200): The supply of pasture hay low this year.