READ THE FULL REPORT HERE.
- There is no significant upward pressure on prices this week. However, as the new hay season begins, several factors could still shift the balance of supply and demand.
- Reduced lucerne competition is expected this year, as rising production costs may limit volumes, increasing interest in alternative protein hays.
- Hay prices have continued to ease after reaching record highs in July, as the market resets following a dry winter and a late break in many regions.
- There is increasing frustration among farmers and industry groups around the ‘inaccuracy’ of the BOM’s long-range forecasts, where many say they still have not received anywhere near the predicted rainfall promised in spring.
- Farmers have breathed a sigh of relief after forecasts of hot and windy weekend conditions that threatened to cut crop yields were eased. However, soil moisture remains low and rain is still urgently needed, with many areas tracking well below average annual rainfall.
- Vetch is the first hay crop to be cut in the Wimmera. Some early signs could support vetch prices. The lower area expected this season is mainly due to competition from lentils in cropping rotations. However, this competition could erode in the future as lentil demand is falling, and prices are 35 per cent lower than average, the lowest in the past five years.
- Australian lentil prices have plummeted, with a global oversupply and uncertain Indian demand weighing heavily on the market. In Victoria, prices fell to $580/t, down from $940 a year ago, with large domestic crops facing stiff competition from unexpectedly high Canadian yields. Read more here.
- A north-south divide has emerged in Australia’s cattle markets, as weather splits buyer confidence. Northern NSW beef producers benefit from stronger buyer galleries, while Victoria battles waning market confidence; however, cattle prices remain well above those of the same time last year. Read more here.
- Farmers facing mounting weed-control challenges could gain a powerful new weapon, with Australia among just five regions chosen to pioneer Bayer’s latest herbicide breakthrough. Read more here.
- Farmers in South Australia are reporting a sharp rise in kangaroos, with mobs placing added pressure on pastures and increasing road safety risks. Ongoing dry conditions across parts of the state have pushed kangaroos closer to farmland in search of resources. Read more here.
- Grain Producers Australia (GPA) is conducting a historically significant survey to allow grain growers to provide input on the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) levy rates and funding allocation, giving them a direct say on how their compulsory levies are used. The survey addresses grower dissatisfaction with significant GRDC reserves and calls for a review of the 40-year-old levy system, offering a rare opportunity for farmers to shape the future of grain R&D investment.
- The National Carbon Farming Conference in Albury this November will show farmers how to use soil carbon data to strengthen their business while meeting emissions targets. The event will focus on proven, practical strategies with real-world examples.
- Buyers are encouraged to feed test and view fodder before purchase to ensure feed quality.