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Summary
- Price increases have continued across most hay types, particularly for pasture hay, though the rises have been more modest this week. The market continues to ration limited supply to those able to pay current record-level prices.
- Some major growing areas have again seen little to no recorded trade this week. While reported prices may appear steady, they do not reflect the actual pressure in the market. In many cases, there is very little fodder available to move. When small amounts come up for sale, they attract higher prices, showing the gap between listed values and what is happening on the ground.
- As feed becomes harder to source, unfamiliar sellers are entering the market. Buyers are reporting concerns about the palatability of feed and the trustworthiness of some suppliers. Without established relationships or reliable assessments of feed quality, buyers may risk paying high prices for low-value product.
- Although parts of central and western New South Wales and north-east Victoria have received some rain, confidence remains low in the south-east and west. Until longer-term rainfall patterns improve, fodder availability and pricing pressure are expected to continue.
- Large parts of southern South Australia, western and central Victoria, and south-west Western Australiaremain without meaningful fodder growth. While some areas received rainfall recently, they are still several months away from re-entering the market with any significant supply. Farmers in these regions continue to rely heavily on handfeeding and supplementary grain feeding.
- In NW Tasmania, straw is reported to be more available this week, prompting price drops. Cereal hay is harder to find but has seen a slight local price shift. Other regions remain steady.
- Rains are coming to the Southeast of the country: Expected rainfall across the weekend promises relief to many key fodder-growing areas experiencing drought. However, success hinges on what actually falls, and even with decent rain, any boost in hay supply and market movement is still months away.
- WA-SA hay trade paused: Green snail quarantine restrictions have paused hay deliveries from WA to SA. Authorities are working on a plan to allow limited movement, but the delay is adding pressure to eastern supply.
- SA waives fodder inspection fees during drought: South Australian farmers won’t pay the usual $167/hour fee for incoming fodder inspections, easing pressure as dry conditions continue. Inspections remain in place to guard against pests.
- Victorian drought zone expanded: The Victorian Government has officially expanded the drought zone to include parts of central Victoria, Wimmera and west Gippsland.