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NATIONAL SUMMARY
Driving Prices Up
- Growers and farmers are considering their 2022 planting options. Costs including fertiliser, freight and strong grain prices will factor into decision-making.
- Good quality cereal hay will be in short demand following two wet springs in many States during 2020 and 2021, as well as reduced plantings.
- Good rainfall is expected in some areas of the country over the coming days, adding to existing ground moisture.
- Farmers continue to monitor cattle price movements and the potential impact on fodder.
Driving Prices Down
- Available fodder on the market is varied in quality due to the impact of rain events on new season hay across most States.
- Good irrigation stores that have built up over the past year from timely rainfall, as well as affordable temporary water, mean many farmers can continue to water feed over the coming summer months.
- Milder conditions and regular rainfall have seen paddock feed continue to do well, alleviating the need for farmers to supplement feed.
- The La Niña event has increased the chance of above average rainfall across much of northern and eastern Australia during summer which will further reduce the need for farmers to purchase extra feed during the season.
Local News
- Trade in hay continues to be significantly down.
- Rain and thunderstorm activity is predicated across areas of the east coast in the coming days.
- In the north, patchy rain has been received in the Atherton Tablelands. In the Darling Downs further rain has been received and water supply remains strong.
- Should the current rain predictions materialise, areas of Central West New South Wales may see flooding again. In the north of the State, rain has continued leaving a good supply of grass.
- In Southwest Victoria, some areas have experienced an extremely dry December with less than 10mm of rain. While in South Australia, despite a slow start, areas of the State have reported good quality and yields.
- Buyers are encouraged to feed test and view fodder before purchasing to be sure of the quality of the feed.