NATIONAL SUMMARY
Driving Prices Up
- While the price of livestock remains strong, farmers are prepared to seek out good quality feed to maintain the condition of these animals. Reports that many farmers will look to increase numbers this year and build on breeding numbers.
- Drier conditions in some southern regions are driving interest as some farmers look to pre-contract feed for the coming months. Predictions that many parts could again face a dry autumn.
- Good quality cereal hay will be in short demand following two wet springs in many states during 2020 and 2021.
- Consideration of new season plantings are underway as growers take advice on export opportunities as well as the return of good grain and lentil prices.
Driving Prices Down
- Varied qualities of fodder are currently on the market with new season hay being impacted by rain events across most states.
- Summer rainfall has seen paddock feed continue to do well, alleviating the need for farmers to supplement feed and irrigate extensively. Many also have good, conserved fodder of silage and hay for the coming months.
- Demand from feedlots continues to be well down as many have cut numbers due to the high purchase price of cattle.
- According to the Bureau of Meteorology, La Niña continues in the tropical Pacific, but modelling suggests the 2021–22 La Niña is near or at its peak, with a return to neutral El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) likely early in the southern hemisphere autumn. La Niña has delivered above average rainfall across much of northern and eastern Australia this summer.
Local News
- The Eyre Peninsula in South Australia after receiving up to 300mm of rain in some parts is now struggling to receive the farm supply’s they need including chemical and fencing equipment due to transport issue with many roads washed away. Reports that due to the council’s vast land area that it will be sometime before full restoration is made.
- Farmers and growers from the Esperance region in the South of Western Australia have come together to provide hay donations for those farmers affected by the fires in the Wheat Belt area.
- Trade in hay continues to be slow, which can be traditional for this time of year. The equine industry continues to be consistent consumer looking for good quality fodder.
- In Queensland, Fall Armyworm monitoring and spraying is well-underway. Summer crops are looking magnificent in the Darling Downs.
- Summer rain throughout New South Wales has produced grass in the paddocks, any summer coastal hay production continues to be hindered.
- Lack of rain in Southwest Victoria, and some parts of South Australia and Tasmania are driving some early enquiries from those looking to secure feed allotments for winter.
- Buyers are encouraged to feed test and view fodder before purchasing to be sure of the quality of the feed.
