Driving Prices Up

• A reduction in hay produced this season due to export concerns, an increase in mice again come spring and wet conditions may see many growers again produce a significant amount of grain over hay, potentially leaving a shortage for the twelve months ahead. 
• Demand continues in Gippsland and Southwest Victoria due to the recent wet and cold conditions, with enquiries coming in for cereal and pasture hay to carry stock through till the end of August as a minimum. 
• A shortage of good quality cereal hay is being reported as grower’s stores have been drained of any remaining 2019 hay and undamaged past seasons has also started to move over the last month and is expected to be depleted.

Driving Prices Down

• Many farmers continue to work through conserved on farm stores eliminating a need to buy a significant amount of feed.
• High cattle prices continue to impact demand as many areas in Queensland and New South Wales have destocked significantly and are in the process of increasing numbers again through breeding.
• Good conditions on the North Coast as well as further south in the Bega Valley has meant traditional movement of hay from Central New South Wales and Northern Victoria to these parts has continued to reduce in comparison to previous years where these regions have been significantly dry.  
• Varied qualities of fodder are currently on the market particularly weather damaged cereal hay that growers potentially want to move to make way for new season hay. 

Local News

• Most areas are now reporting that new season crops are up and looking good with some regions stating it’s the best start in a long time. 
• Rain falling again this week in all states with many parts starting to become too wet in particular Gippsland. Only minimal rainfall needed now in the West, Victoria excluding the Mallee and Wimmera and New South Wales to finish off winter crops following average to above average rainfall. 
• Reports the Gippsland storm and flood recovery is being aided by the Bushfire Relief who will initially start by assisting those including farmers that still have damage that needs removing. 

• In the north demand in the Atherton Tablelands remains steady with a small amount moving locally. Following the recent rainfall in QLD many parts including the Tablelands have had an influx of fresh grass. The Darling Downs region reporting one of the best starts to a season following good rainfall for the first half of the year. 
• Southern Australia is again on track for a good season with timely rain, most regions are reporting good growth. Several key factors still needed to take place and a relatively dry spring to improve on last year’s season.
• Western Australia recorded one of its best season breaks. Rain has continued to fall at the right times with high yielding crops already being discussed. Hay moving domestically due to recent trade issues with China. 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.

Regional Commentary

Atherton Tablelands

• Constant damp conditions for the Tablelands making it difficult for growers to complete hay production. 
• Growers have planted some cereals in the region with cutting planned for October depending on conditions. Ideally this will be for winter trade when rhodes grass production is slower.
• Trade continues to be minimal in the region with most farmers able to feed stock with paddock feed that continues to grow across the region as well as conserved silage stores.

• Small amounts of trade for weaning cattle.
• No changes to prices this week.
• Pasture (Rhodes Grass) hay: +/-0 ($300 to $330).
• Note: Hay in the Atherton Tablelands is traditionally priced at $/bale, so it is important to check bale weights for conversion. The price range indicated is for feeds of varying quality with the price range generally indicative of quality of feed. We recommend feed testing and viewing of fodder before purchase to be sure of the quality of feed.

Darling Downs

• Across the Downs this week 6 – 10mm of rain was recorded. 
• In general, the Downs is having a good season. Irrigators have water available and dry land farmers have received better than average rainfall thus far.
• Reports further west growers have received their average rainfall in the first six months of the year. Grasses have started to regenerate and winter crops are on track despite some water logging. 
• Trade is steady with growers supplying hay to farmers weaning cattle. Plenty of dry grazing feed remains due to farmers carrying less stock. Demand for small lucerne squares has increased primarily from the equine industry as more events return. 

• No changes to prices this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($280 to $300/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($390 to $430/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($60 to $70/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($200 to $240/t) Prices remain steady this week. 

Please note unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, sourced and delivered locally. The price range indicated is for feeds of varying quality with the price range generally indicative of quality of feed. We recommend feed testing and viewing of fodder before purchase to be sure of the quality of feed.

Page Break

North Coast NSW

• No rain recorded for the North Coast this past week.
• Ideal growing conditions for the North Coast continue following rain earlier in the month. With no frosts still and daytime temperatures topping 21 degrees this week.

• Enquiry from farmers looking for good roughage to supplement paddock feed and carry stock through while paddocks are wet in lower lying country. Good quality cereal hay for dairy farmers freighting in from north-eastern New South Wales.
• Cereal hay, straw, and lucerne prices quoted are for supplies to be carted into the region.
• No changes to pricing this week.
• Cereal hay: +/0 ($250 to $300/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($380 to $430/t). Prices remain steady this week.

• Straw: +/-0 ($100 to $150/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($200 to $230/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Please note unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, sourced and delivered locally. The price range indicated is for feeds of varying quality with the price range generally indicative of quality of feed. We recommend feed testing and viewing of fodder before purchase to be sure of the quality of feed.

Central West NSW

• Rain for the Central West with 10mm being recorded in most parts. Conditions not as cold with the rain front coming and predicted to stay until early next week. Minor flood warnings in place for the northeast as catchment areas are already wet following on going rainfall. 
• New season crops are doing well in the region despite reports of minor water logging still in the north of the region. Where possible growers have been applying urea and spraying crops.
• Ongoing concern’s mice will be an issue in the spring as they are still able to find shelter in many places not just in paddocks and shedding. Growers and farmers will need to remain vigilant coming into the new season.
• Enquiries from local farmers with sheep and cattle looking for good quality cereal hay. Demand from the equine industry is starting to increase and dairy farmers continue to seek out good quality fodder from the region.
• https://www.nsw.gov.au/initiative/mouse-control-support-program

• https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/50-million-support-package-to-help-regional-communities-combat-mouse-plague
• No changes to pricing this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($170 to $200/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($330 to $380/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($60 to $80/t). Prices remain steady this week.

• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($160 to $200/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Please note unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, sourced and delivered locally. The price range indicated is for feeds of varying quality with the price range generally indicative of quality of feed. We recommend feed testing and viewing of fodder before purchase to be sure of the quality of feed.

Bega Valley

• Light rain only this week for the Bega Valley.
• Much dryer conditions over the last fortnight and warmer days this week enabling growers to get onto paddocks. Grass improving for stock with ideal growing conditions. 

• Farmers are still utilising conserved on farm fodder to feed stock and have been able to manage the moderate winter conditions thus far. Unlikely the need for extensive amounts of extra feed to come into the Valley at this stage. 
• Consistent small amounts of cereal hay coming onto the coast for dairy farmers with springing cattle. 
• No changes to prices this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($290 to $320/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($550 to $600/t). Prices remain steady this week.

• Straw: +/-0 ($200 to $230/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($350 to $400/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Please note unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, sourced and delivered locally. The price range indicated is for feeds of varying quality with the price range generally indicative of quality of feed. We recommend feed testing and viewing of fodder before purchase to be sure of the quality of feed.

Goulburn/Murray Valley

• Rain this week for the region with 10mm being recorded in most parts. Wet conditions predicted on and off for the next seven days. Only minimal amounts of rain needed now to carry crops through for the remainder of the season. 
• Growers reporting good growth in crops as many raced again this week to try and apply urea before the last weather front. 
• Small amounts of good quality lucerne continue to move into New South Wales primarily the North Coast. Trade of lucerne expected to continue as farmers actively source a good high protein product. Farmers in the local area feeding stock now with colder conditions. 
• No change to prices this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($180 to $200/t). Prices remain steady this week.

• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($450 to $500/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($70 to $100/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($230 to $280/t). Prices remain steady this week.

Please note unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, sourced and delivered locally. The price range indicated is for feeds of varying quality with the price range generally indicative of quality of feed. We recommend feed testing and viewing of fodder before purchase to be sure of the quality of feed.

Gippsland

• Rain again this week for the region with areas recording 10mm. Ongoing rain is adding to the already significantly saturated region, with reports many places are still to dry out.
• Large quantities of fodder continue to be feed out to stock due to the wet and cold conditions. Farmers on lower country feedlotting or sacrificing paddocks to feed out on.
• Pastures are struggling from water logging and are need of warmer days and fertiliser. Fertiliser is starting to spread with the use of helicopters. 

• The region continues to recover from storm and flood damage. Many making enquiries to secure feed for the remainder of winter. A variety of feed moving into Gippsland with farmers making sure not to leave themselves short. 
• www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/floods
• No change to pricing this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($250 to $290/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($550 to $650/t). Prices remain steady this week.

• Straw: +/-0 ($70 to $85/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/- ($90 to $110/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Please note unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, sourced and delivered locally. The price range indicated is for feeds of varying quality with the price range generally indicative of quality of feed. We recommend feed testing and viewing of fodder before purchase to be sure of the quality of feed.

Southwest Victoria

• The Horsham area recorded 13mm of rain in the last seven days. 
• Growers in the Mallee and Wimmera now seeing crops improve with recent rain. Ongoing good rainfall with be needed in the area for crops to finish well.
• Traditional movement of cereal and vetch hay coming into the south from the Mallee for primarily dairy farmers. Good quality feed from this area is expected to be exhausted soon. Farmers taking advantage of low prices now and storing some fodder.
• Significant amount of fodder continues to be feed out in the south as winter conditions have settled in the region. 
• No change to pricing this week.

• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($170 to $210/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($350 to $400/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($60 to $80/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($150 to $180/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Please note unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, sourced and delivered locally. The price range indicated is for feeds of varying quality with the price range generally indicative of quality of feed. We recommend feed testing and viewing of fodder before purchase to be sure of the quality of feed.

Southeast South Australia

• Light rainfall for the Southeast this week with most parts receiving less than 5mm. The region will only need minimal falls now to finish crops. 
• Growers reporting crops are progressing well and are in the process now of spraying for weed control. 

• Local movement of hay continuing for beef and sheep farmers who have been feeding out for a number a month’s now due to a dry start that flowed into autumn ending any paddock feed early on.
• No change to pricing this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($190 to $220/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($330 to $350/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($100 to $120/t). Prices remain steady this week.

• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($180 to $200/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Please note unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, sourced and delivered locally. The price range indicated is for feeds of varying quality with the price range generally indicative of quality of feed. We recommend feed testing and viewing of fodder before purchase to be sure of the quality of feed.

Central South Australia

• Rain recorded this week across the Central South with 10 – 15mm falling across the entire region. 

• Recent rainfall has improved the outlook for many growers with reports crops are doing well across the region now.
• Growers have significantly reduced cereal hay plantings across the region due to concerns over export opportunities. 
• Farmers continue to feed out and will until new grass is viable for livestock. Demand from farmers in the area is being meet by local growers. 
• No change to pricing this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($190 to $220/t). Prices remains steady this week.

• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($400 to $450/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/- ($90 to $140/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Please note unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, sourced and delivered locally. The price range indicated is for feeds of varying quality with the price range generally indicative of quality of feed. We recommend feed testing and viewing of fodder before purchase to be sure of the quality of feed.

Southwest Western Australia 

• Rain this week in the Southwest with areas recording 26mm this past week.
• Growers continue to report excellent growth in new season crops. Total planting areas are up on previous years but how much has been lost to grain cropping is yet to be fully determined. Growers traditionally known for their production of premium export hay will now be contributing further to the predicted harvest of 19 plus million tonnes of grains this year in the west.

• Minimal domestic trade at present with small amounts of cereal and straw being taken up by cattle farmers. 
• With a significant reduction in cereal hay plantings in the west it will be timely to see what is produced this spring and if domestic demands can be meet. 
• No change to pricing this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($280 to $320/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($450 to $490). Prices remain steady this week.

• Straw: +/-0 ($120 to 140/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($200 to $220/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Please note unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, sourced and delivered locally. The price range indicated is for feeds of varying quality with the price range generally indicative of quality of feed. We recommend feed testing and viewing of fodder before purchase to be sure of the quality of feed.

Northwest Tasmania

• More rain for the Northwest this week with areas receiving 26mm.
• Paddocks are becoming increasingly wet with ongoing rain in the region. Growers will not be able to get back onto paddocks now until August at the earliest to fertilise crops or complete any plantings that were missed in the autumn.  
• Trade increasing with colder conditions of cereal and pasture hay as well as some silage. Farmers needing extra feed now for stock as many are having to rest paddocks with wet conditions. Many also wanting to secure feed as winter conditions could still impact for at least another six weeks. Many growers will sell out of cereal by the end of winter.
• No change to pricing this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($200 to $250/t) Prices remain steady this week.

• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($300 to $350/t) Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($150 to $200/t) Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($230 to $280/t) Prices remain steady this week.
• Please note unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, sourced and delivered locally. The price range indicated is for feeds of varying quality with the price range generally indicative of quality of feed. We recommend feed testing and viewing of fodder before purchase to be sure of the quality of feed. We recommend feed testing and viewing of fodder before purchase to be sure of the quality of feed.