National Summary
- The hay market is in a hiatus at the moment with very little demand, trade and interest and as a result, no change to prices reported. It seems buyers are happy to sit out of the market at the present time waiting to see what the new season’s production will deliver in terms of quantity, quality and of course, price. There is some expectation and evidence that new season hay will be lower in terms of yield but will be significantly improved on quality compared to what remains from last season’s carryover. Buyers seem content at the moment to wait for more new season hay to enter the market in the hope of either buying better quality or getting a better deal on the carryover stocks as growers try to make room in sheds.
- The current season is certainly serving up plenty of variability and challenges around the country with regards to the weather. The onset of spring is helping pasture growth in a number of regions if there is sufficient moisture in the ground. Silage is being made in many areas but has been intermittent between rain events.
- Hay production has started in many regions but warmer weather is being sought before production will get into full swing.
- In Queensland and NSW, the situation remains precarious for many with poor rains and warming weather. This will not only have an impact on this year’s hay crops in these regions but it will inevitably lead to fodder demand having to extend to regions that can meet this demand and that adds cost, especially for freight.
- There is a view that the amount of hay available this year will be down on last year as some growers have opted not to cut hay this year with sheds still full and in some cases, stacks still in paddocks.
- Exporters continue to be active in the hay market and are looking to secure new season, quality assured supply; this exporter interest will set the price in many regions for the new season hay.
Northern Australia – Summary
- Prices remain unchanged.
- As the weather warms and reasonable rains remain elusive, enquiries for hay are expected to lift and this suggests that prices in northern Australia at least will remain solid for the foreseeable future.
- This is being further impacted by a more subdued outlook for the current seasons hay production in these regions and very limited current stocks.
- The level of enquiry and buying from southern regions is gaining in momentum as farmers begin to anticipate a continuation of dry conditions going forward and potentially a hot, dry summer ahead.
- It is still expected that demand with exceed supply in the north this season.
- Lucerne and straw are particularly scarce. Most quality protein hay can fetch over $400/t if it can be found.
- We suggest caution when purchasing fodder at the moment, particularly protein hay, as there continues to be a great deal of variability in what’s being traded.
Southern Australia – Summary
- No changes to hay prices this week.
- The region is once again expected to produce more than enough hay this season and will become a major source of supply to northern Australia.
- It is anticipated that this season will see a lift in the quality of hay produced and an improved price compared to the price being quoted for carryover stocks.
- Exporters are reportedly actively looking for new season hay especially if quality is assured.
- The overflow of hay from last season is finding some interest from northern regions as the dry bites in the north. Care should be exercised when buying as depending on how this hay has been stored, quality can be significantly compromised.
- Whereas dairy farmers are more selective in their hay buying searching out quality to maximise milk production, beef and sheep producers are showing a greater interest in last season’s carryover hay as a feed source, especially where pasture growth is limited due to the dry winter and start of spring.
- A wet August and start to September has assisted many late crops in southern Victoria and South Australia but with harvest looming, drier weather is being sought to start new season hay making.
Western Australia – Summary
- There were no changes to hay prices this week.
- Hay trading was limited although demand has improved from beef and sheep producers looking to cover their feed needs for the summer ahead.
- Some crops continue to be cut for hay but recent rain, whilst welcome by many, has interrupted this early hay production and may impact on hay quality; later crops are expected to fair better.
- The level of demand and optimism for the coming season varies a great deal from farmer to farmer.
- Rainfall has been the key factor in the success of farmers and hay growers in the past few months and will continue to influence the outlook for the season ahead; there is a need for follow-up rain in coming weeks to secure reasonable production outcomes.
- There is an expectation that demand will continue to lift after the dry winter and could be exacerbated by reduced yields and/or lower production from less cops being cut for hay.
- The export industry continues to dominate the WA market and is a solid indicator on pricing. Exporters continue to seek out quality but are expected to have sufficient supply this year to meet their needs.
Regional Commentary
Atherton Tablelands
- There were no changes to hay prices in the region again this week and the level of enquiry is steady and highly variable depending on the potential for rain.
- New season hay is beginning to be made in the region and increasingly becoming available.
- The region around Mareeba is growing more hay and is a current backup source of supply to the Tablelands.
- It is predicted that despite the increase in supply, hay stocks may not go the distance this season and we’ll see a return to high demand; that said there are still sufficient supplies in sheds within the region at present so there is no urgency to buy.
- The outcome of this year’s harvest is still yet to be fully realised however growers are anticipating a poorer year.
- Many farmers continue to have lower cattle number and for this reason have lower feed requirements.
- Access to water is an ongoing issue with many dams quite low.
- Forecast storm events in the coming week are welcome although inevitably good rain will dampen demand for hay with the hope of good pasture growth.
- Ongoing rain between now and the end of the year will impact hay trade and demand may lift quickly if rains fail to eventuate.
- We continue to advocate for feed testing to ensure quality and using a trusted supplier when purchasing hay this year.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($280 to $330/t). Prices remained steady this week.
- Note: Hay in the Atherton Tablelands is traditionally priced at $/bale so it is important to check bale weights for conversion to a $/t rate.
Darling Downs
- Plenty of enquiries for hay being reported again in the region as supplies continue to dwindle but no change in prices.
- There are no excess supplies of fodder in the region.
- The region is in somewhat of a hiatus right now as there is a great deal of uncertainty regarding the current seasons outlook and what the new production season will deliver in terms of quantity and quality of hay.
- It is expected that there will be limited paddocks going to hay this season after the dry winter and spring and this will further tighten supply.
- It was reported that the next 12 months on the Downs will be very solid for hay prices.
- It remains quite dry in the region and there is an expectation that local hay supply will have to be supplemented from outside the region this year; this is already the case with hay coming into the region from South Australia and Victoria.
- Pastures are responding well to rain when it comes.
- Feedlots are reportedly still actively buying and looking for alternative cost-effective feed sources.
- The dry conditions have seen some cereal crops usually destined to be cut for hay now having cattle run on them.
- Protein hay is in particularly high demand and is fetching a premium although this is not unusual for the region.
- Quality for all fodder types is highly variable and should be tested. We also advocate for careful inspection of fodder and using a trusted supplier when possible.
- There is a view that straw will be very difficult to source this year and this may create an opportunity to clear some of the carry over poor quality hay from the south to be used a straw, especially in the feedlot sector.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($270 to $350/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay +/-$0 ($400 to $450/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($180 to $220/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: Not in demand in this region.
North Coast NSW
- No change in hay prices this week despite buoyant demand continuing in the region; demand has eased recently with the prospect for further storms delivering needed rain.
- Without follow-up rain, demand is expected to ramp up again; this was the case before the forecast of storms.
- The region experienced poor winter rainfall and a lack of subsoil moisture which has seen crops and pasture struggle.
- There are no stocks or surplus hay remaining in the region with reports suggesting current supplies are coming out of the NSW Tablelands (Tamworth region) and Victoria; dairy farmers are reportedly buying out of Victoria now.
- There is virtually no lucerne, straw or pasture hay available within the region.
- Some vetch is about to be made and is expected to sell at $300-$350/t.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($300 to $350/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($380 to $450/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($200 to $240/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($250 to $280/t). Prices remain steady this week.
Central West NSW
- There were no changes to hay prices this week.
- Reasonable demand exists within the region for good quality oaten hay which is being sought by sheep and cattle producers as well as backgrounders.
- In general, the region is running short on supply of hay and this situation will not improve with the poor harvest this year.
- Uncharacteristically, the region has limited quality hay available and many growers haven’t had the rain again to ensure even a reasonable season; compared to last year, this year will be a very low production year for hay – exact opposite to last year.
- A number of severe frosts combined with a lack of rainfall have meant a poor cropping season for the region; reports suggest that not a lot of cereal crops will go to hay this year because of the lack of height due to the impact of frosts.
- It is expected that farmers in the region will look to Victoria and South Australia for hay and with good supply available in these regions, prices have not changed.
- Hay traders continue to report having great difficulty finding good protein hay.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($140 to $180/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($250 to $330/t) Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($110 to $130/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($150 to 170/t). Prices remain steady this week.
Bega Valley
- There were no changes to hay prices reported in the Bega region this week although current stated prices remain indicative only as supply is very tight within the Bega and surrounding regions.
- There continues to be concern over the lack of rainfall which has occurred in the region in recent months and its impact on pasture and this season’s crops; despite some recent rain the situation is still precarious.
- Comments suggest growers are expecting a poor season and for supply to be tight this year.
- Good quality cereal and protein hay is most in demand especially by the dairy sector who want to guarantee their milk production.
- Good volumes of feed are coming from southern regions and this is expected to continue and from further afield depending on availability and price as there are no supplies close to the region.
- There is uncertainty of the new season fodder’s price due to lack of supply but in terms of quality it’s too early to tell.
- The volumes of weather damaged feed available in and around the region are reportedly dwindling as beef producers have been buying this.
- Reports suggest local beef producers have begun unloading stock because of the season with 6,000 head at the local sale earlier this week.
- A lot of canola hay has apparently been made but there are concerns over the quality of this due to the impact of frosts during the growing cycle.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($190 to $230/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($320 to $350/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($120 to $150/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($180 to $210/t). Prices remain steady this week.
Goulburn/Murray Valley
- Trading is very subdued within the region at the moment as the wait continues on for new season hay to become more readily available and as a result, prices have not changed.
- Some recent rain is helping crops in the region and should not adversely impact too much on hay that has already been cut; next week temperatures are expected to increase into the 30’s and that should stimulate further new season hay making.
- Reports indicate there is last season hay continuing to go north to NSW and QLD with pricing around $100/t plus freight.
- It is still too early to predict the outcome of the new season hay production but early indications are that quality will be significantly improved; prices are expected to be in the range $160-$200/t for new season hay.
- Exporters remain active in the market for new season hay if the quality is assured.
- A lot of silage has been cut already.
- Very little lucerne is available in the region.
- There is some vetch becoming available and there is some enquiry for this currently.
- The dairy industry remains very subdued in terms of their interest in buying hay.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($80 to $120/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($230 to $260/t). Prices remain steady.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($90 to $100/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: No supply reportedly available.
Gippsland
- Limited trading of hay was reported again this week with demand and enquiry very low in the region.
- There continues to be reasonable trade in small bales to hobby farmers within the region.
- Farmers in the east, including the Macalister Irrigation District and as far south as Yarram, are reporting a continuation of dry conditions and will require more feed as the year progresses and the weather warms up.
- Contrasting this is around Warragul and into South Gippsland which is in good shape and experiencing great pasture growth.
- Silage is now being made when weather conditions are conducive.
- Farmers are considering their feed requirements for the coming season including the possibility of a long dry summer; this may create an impetus to buy over coming weeks.
- The most in demand fodder type in Gippsland is premium quality cereal hay with many dairy farmers rejecting the cheaper feed and focusing on animal health and milk production, however, overall interest from the dairy sector remains very subdued.
- Some vetch is now entering the market in the region at $300/t and is reportedly of very good quality.
- We recommend obtaining a mould and yeast test, a feed test and using a trusted a supplier when purchasing fodder this year to ensure value for money.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($140 to $210/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($290 to $320/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($130 to $160/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($120 to $190/t). Prices remain steady this week.
Southwest Victoria
- There was limited hay trading reported this week as good supplies remain throughout and no changes in pricing.
- Some cereal hay is reportedly selling below the bottom of the reported range on farm but this would be lesser quality and caution should be exercised when buying this.
- Pasture growth is increasing especially with the onset of warmer weather, further reducing trade within the region however warmer spring weather is still proving to be elusive with scattered rain across the region persisting; these rain events are a concern for current hay quality.
- It’s predicted that the region will enjoy another strong year for production although less hay is expected to be made this year as less acreage was sown due to the large carryover of hay from last year.
- Hay growers are looking for a return to quality and consequently a return to a premium price for hay this year.
- Large volumes of poorer grade feed still exist right throughout the region although there is reportedly greater movement interstate of these stocks to drier regions in NSW on a more regular basis.
- Protein hay is still difficult to come by.
- Silage production has now started in the region.
- Dairy farmers continue to search for quality and most quality hay is trading at the higher end of the pricing scale.
- Obtaining a feed test when buying hay is highly recommended and that remains so for last season and new season hay.
- Some vetch silage is trading around $250/t (on a dry matter basis).
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($110 to $190/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($260 to $290/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($110 to $130/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($110 to $160/t). Prices remain steady this week.
Southeast South Australia
- Very limited hay trading occurring in the region this week with ample supply still available locally and as a consequence, no change in prices was reported.
- The Southeast of South Australia is still wet in places but recent rains have actually helped some crops that were drying out and have boosted pasture growth.
- Some silage has started to be made but has halted with recent rain and hay is expected to start to be made in the next few weeks if the weather allows.
- The general feeling is that region is in good shape for a positive hay season although there is concern over where the markets will be for this new hay.
- Growers are hoping for a boost in the quality of feed made this year and will likely produce good volumes although reports suggest less hay will be made this year in the region due to the oversupply which remains.
- NSW may rely on South Australia for supply more this season if tough seasonal conditions continue there.
- Reports suggest some cereal crops will go to grain this year and will not be cut for hay.
- The southeast region continues to be one of the most reliable in terms of cereal hay quality in the country.
- To ensure quality however we continue to advocate for the careful inspection of fodder before purchase and obtaining a feed test.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($90 to $140/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($240 to $300/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($90 to $120/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($120 to 150/t) Prices remain steady this week.
Central South Australia
- Trading is very slow again this week in the region but there is still plenty of supply around, particularly of last year’s hay.
- Some growers are still looking to offload as much of last season’s hay as possible to make room in sheds in readiness for the new harvest.
- The region has made a good comeback from a late winter but acreage for hay is back this year because of last year’s excellent production; a number of growers have decided not to make hay this year.
- The current outlook for this year’s crops has improved in recent weeks despite the hay crops being quite low and there is an expectation that quality will be good.
- There has been some rain in the region but they are looking for more to guarantee grain crops and if this eventuates, it will not be good for the hay crops.
- Good volumes of export hay are being made now and the quality is reportedly very good also; Exporters are reportedly interested in this good quality hay despite holding supplies from last year which may be of a lesser quality.
- There is very little lucerne in the region and limited demand for it also.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($80 to 130/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($250 to 300/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($80 to $110/t). Prices remain steady this week.
Southwest Western Australia
- There were no changes to hay prices in the west this week as trading seems to be in a lull as new season hay is anticipated.
- Some enquiry still being fielded from sheep and cattle producers looking to summer proof their feed supplies but interest from dairy farmers is very low.
- Cutting of hay crops has commenced but has been stalled because of wet weather, especially in the south.
- Whilst this rain has saved the season for many farmers it will have an adverse impact on the hay already cut.
- There is view that hay quality will be lower this year with thicker stalks being reported.
- Later crops are expected to be of a better quality.
- Exporters are reported to have plenty of supply on hand for their export requirements.
- Domestically there is an expectation of higher demand after a dry winter.
- There remains a low level of carryover stocks of low/medium grade hay but not as much as to cause too much concern.
- We recommend obtaining a feed test as well as a mould and yeast test when purchasing fodder this year as there is expected to be a quantities of rain damaged hay available.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($140 to $180/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($450 to $490). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($90 to 110/t) Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($150 to $200/t). Prices remain steady this week.
Northwest Tasmania
- Very little trading was reported again this week in the region with no significant price changes.
- Seasonal conditions are quite varied at the moment fluctuating between wet and dry and there is uncertainty as to how the current production season for hay will pan out; showery conditions in some areas are helpful but it will be another 2-3 weeks before a true sense of production will be fully understood – the region is at a tipping point at this time.
- The southeast and the east coast are reportedly still very dry.
- The onset of warmer weather in other regions is assisting with pasture growth and crops.
- Protein hay is in demand but of very limited supply with reports of virtually no lucerne available. Some early cutting of lucerne has been reported and the quality looks excellent.
- There is also limited supply of good pasture hay and straw available.
- Reports indicate that good supplies should be available from this production season, especially from the north of the state but it is still too early for an accurate prediction.
- A potential overflow into next season may exist although there is a great deal of poorer quality feed making up this supply.
- The dairy industry is reportedly very quiet in terms of interest in feed and is only locking in purchases if there is a real need with most relying on hand to mouth supply.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($160 to 220/t) Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($220 to 300/t) Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-$0 ($100 to 140/t) Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($140 to 190/t) Prices remain steady this week.