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Summary
Driving Prices Up
- Western Australia is seeing some early greening of pastures that received rain; however fodder will still need to be supplied for some time before pastures become productive for good grazing.
- The recent trend of fodder moving from north to south to meet needs is continuing as the southern states remain fairly dry; this is incurring additional freight costs.
- Demand has lifted as producers look to fill on-farm storage before the onset of cooler winter conditions slow pasture growth. The lack of rain across the southern states has led to a lack of growth and will likely lead to a winter feed gap. It is strongly suggested that farmers look to lock in supplies as there is a good degree of belief that there will be shortages in winter.
Driving Prices Down
- Sowing of quick feed as well as hay and silage crops is continuing throughout QLD and NSW in good conditions.
- Some sporadic and final hay production is taking place in parts of Victoria and in areas which have seen good pasture growth additional silage is being cut and ensiled.
- Varied lines of fodder are still readily available, especially older hay and fodder supplies out of the southern states, some of this is of lower quality but is well suited to supplemental feeding and feed mixes.
Local News
- The south west of Victoria remains stubbornly dry and has much reduced pasture feed availability. However for established pastures to the west of Hamilton, the soil moisture is low but sustainable and the soil temperature remains favourable and is well set to flourish should rains arrive.
- Financial support for WA farmers experiencing the dry season has opened. The availability of grants is subject to eligibility criteria, and funds being available. Applications close 30 June 2024 or when funding is fully committed. https://www.agric.wa.gov.au/hardship-support-grant
- As expected with the release of the date for the phase out of the live export of sheep many WA growers are contemplating a change in sowing components moving forward as sheep numbers are set to drop as graziers look to exit the industry and switch to cropping or other farming activities.
- The Bureau has stated that El Niño has ended and the El Niño–Southern Oscillation (ENSO) has returned to neutral. Climate models indicate ENSO will likely continue to be neutral until at least July 2024. Current forecasts of the ENSO state beyond July should be used with caution.
- Buyers are encouraged to feed test and view fodder before purchase to be sure of the quality of feed.