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National Summary
- High freight costs impact several regions, with transport costs adding up to $90/t for hay.
- Demand for lucerne remains strong, with prices increasing by $10/t in some regions due to limited supply and steady movement.
- Some producers are holding off selling cereal hay in hopes of future price increases.
- In Southwest Victoria, pasture hay prices have dropped by $10/t this week, affected by low milk prices and tight budgets among dairy farmers.
- Lucerne production is ramping up in regions like the Bega Valley, leading to downward pressure on prices in some areas (e.g., utility-grade lucerne at $350/t).
- Queensland rains have replenished paddocks, reducing demand for pasture hay in some regions.
- Southeast SA and parts of WA are under fire weather warnings due to dry, gusty conditions. Elevated bushfire risks persist in Tasmania, where over 20 fires rage, accompanied by record heat and dry spells.
- Heavy rains across Northern Queensland have led to flood warnings for major rivers, significantly slowing hay production in the Atherton Tablelands.
- Under the Biosecurity Act 2014, everyone – including individuals and organisations – has a general biosecurity obligation (GBO) to take all reasonable steps to prevent the spread of red fire ants. Fire ant biosecurity zones are also in place to help manage the movement of materials known to spread fire ants, such as soil, hay, mulch, manure, quarry products, turf, and potted plants.
- Buyers are encouraged to feed test and view fodder before purchase to be sure of the quality of feed.