NATIONAL SUMMARY
Driving Prices Up
- Late spring rain hampering hay production in many parts of the country now will again reduce the amount of good quality cereal hay being produced on what is already a reduced season due to export concerns and high grain prices.
- Prices for cattle and sheep are no expected to decrease soon and farmers are wanting good quality feed for these animals.
- Where winter like wet conditions have continued in Tasmania and southern Gippsland, farmers have not been able to produce the fodder they would like and will need to look at bringing in additional feed over the next ten months.
- Steady trade to farmers looking to secure progressive loads over the next twelve months will not likely push prices up significantly but will mean the movement of fodder will continue to be steady at a minimum.
Driving Prices Down
- Demand continues to well down and has been for 18 months. A significant amount of last season’s weather damaged hay is on the market at a reduced price. With more damaged hay from this season expected to drop onto the market in the coming months.
- Good spring conditions will see many farmers producing and conserving as much silage as they can themselves, particularly along the NSW Coast and Victoria.
- A mild October and rain have meant many farmers have not had to irrigate grass yet. Stock continue to graze and be supported by paddock feed at this point. Farmers able to utilise water for summer months.
- La Nina event where December to February is expected to be wetter than average 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
- Wet conditions continue this week with storm activity forecast from Queensland down to Tasmania.
- The hay season is well underway in most regions now with many growers racing to bale as much hay as possible before rain events again this week. Ongoing rain events through New South Wales, Victoria, and Western Australia this growing season have increased drying time for hay.
- Boarder closures and permit requirements continue to be a concern for contractors as they work to understand the changing rules and regulations that they and staff must comply with when moving between regions and states.
- Silage season continues to be made on the New South Wales coast, and Southern Victoria. Southern Victoria continues to be hindered by wet conditions making it increasingly difficult to produce good quality silage.
- 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.
