READ THE FULL REPORT HERE.
Summary
- With still no rain on the horizon for those who need it, we are seeing a surge in pricing across all fodder throughout Victoria this week. With increases up to $50 per tonne for Lucerne and $35 per tonne for Straw, we can only hope prices stabilise once it finally rains.
- Demand is high as reserves run low or out, and the availability from growers is reducing which is forcing up prices.
- In addition to the demand, freight costs are also adding to the increase in pricing as fodder is transported varying distances to those in need.
- Queensland and the northern half of New South Wales are off to a flying start with their winter-cropping programs. Canola and faba beans are already in, and growers are now moving into wheat and barley.
- Dry sowing in SA and Vic is advancing, with growers taking comfort in the fact that history points to a rain event by early June to germinate crops. However, little to no subsoil moisture, has growers in the Riverina region of NSW dropping canola from rotations and looking at shorter-season barley.
- Analyst Simon Quilty stated at the Global Angus Forum staged in Brisbane recently that the global beef trade was now moving from a supply-driven market, seen over the past two and a half years, to a demand-driven market dynamic. He has painted an overwhelmingly positive picture about the medium-term outlook for Australian beef.
- A new collaboration will assist SA Dairy Farmers (SADA) in accessing the Government fodder transport subsidy scheme for the first time. SADA, Rural Aid, Rapid Relief Team, Need for Feed and Farmers Relief Agency will have access to the $4 million announced in the recent drought support package to assist with the cost of transporting donated fodder across the state.
- The total water storage level across Australia is at 64% of capacity, a decline of 7% since the same time last year.
- Over the 14-month period since February 2024, rainfall has been in the bottom 5 and 10% of periods (since 1900) for most of southern South Australia and western Victoria. Soil moisture is well below average, leading to poor conditions for crops and pastures, tree mortality in South Australian plantations, and water shortages for livestock.
- Hay Meetup SA: Registrations are now open for our next Hay Meetup in SA at the Novotel Barossa Valley Resort on Friday, 20 June 2025. More details are available on the AFIA website.
- Hay Meetup VIC: Registrations are now open for our next Hay Meetup in Rochester on Saturday, 28 June 2025. More details are available on the AFIA website.
- Updated biosecurity requirements for hay imports into South Australia: Under the Plant Health Act 2009, hay is now subject to stricter import controls due to pests such as Green Snail and Red Imported Fire Ant risk. All commercial hay consignments entering South Australia must comply with specific entry requirements, including importer registration with PIRSA, approved documentation (Plant Health Certificate or General Biosecurity Declaration), and submission of a consignment manifest prior to arrival. Certain consignments may also be subject to inspection or quarantine on entry. These requirements also apply to donated fodder transported as part of drought assistance efforts. Read more on the sa.gov.au website.
- Buyers are encouraged to feed test and view fodder before purchase to ensure the quality of feed.