NATIONAL SUMMARY
Driving Prices Up
- Flooding in Central and Western New South Wales, water continues to lay on paddocks damaging lucerne stands, paddock feed and new season crops.
- Farmers with storage securing loads of good quality hay from previous and current season while pricing is favorable.
- Limited vetch produced this season and flooding to lucerne farms in Central New South Wales and the Darling Downs could see an increase in price for good quality high protein fodder.
- Cost of production going into the new season with concerns now over AdBlue shortages as well as price increases already across fuel, chemical and fertiliser.
Driving Prices Down
- Varied qualities of fodder are currently on the market with new season hay being impacted by rain events.
- Milder conditions and regular rainfall have seen paddock feed continue to do well, alleviating the need for farmers to supplement feed.
- La Nina event where December to February is expected to bring above average rainfall and mild conditions for the eastern and central parts of the country further reducing the need for farmers to purchase extra feed over the summer months.
Local News
- Significant flooding continues in the Central West of New South Wales causing large scale damage to standing crops. The Darling Downs, Queensland also continue to be impacted by rain events as many rivers are expected to peak in the coming days.
- Majority of hay now baled with growers now concentrating on grain harvest. Trade continues to be significantly down and will be until the new year before an anticipated increase takes place once farmers plan for the coming season.
- Boarder closures and permit requirements are easing now and making movement of agricultural machinery and hay less difficult.
- Silage season continues to be made in Victoria where growers are attempting second cuts in the southern parts. Rain continues to hamper production and getting heavier machinery on paddocks still an issue.
- In the north demand in the Atherton Tablelands remains steady with a small amount moving locally. Following the ongoing rainfall in Northern QLD many parts including the Tablelands continue to have an influx of fresh grass. The Darling Downs region reporting one of the best seasons following good rainfall for the first half of the year. Oaten crops have started to be cut in the area for hay.
- New South Wales reporting good crops following timely rainfall. South Australia impacted by dryer conditions, further in the Southeast crops are on track but yields are expected to be done after difficult growing conditions this season. Hay season is in full swing in Northern Victoria. Several key factors still needed to take place and a relatively dry spring to improve on last year’s season.
- Western Australia has recorded one of its best season breaks. Rain has been timely for the west this season. Varied qualities of cereal hay being produced in the West as the season continues to be hampered by ongoing rainfall. Prices remain strong for all fodder types in WA.
- Buyers are encouraged to feed test and view fodder before purchasing to be sure of the quality of the feed.
