Hay Report – 18 Feb 2022

18 Feb 2022 | Hay Reports

FULL REPORT HERE

 

NATIONAL SUMMARY

Driving Prices Up

  • It will be crucial that rain continues to fall at the right time for growers this year. Despite the summer rain in many parts conditions can quickly become dry again.
  • Cost of production continues to be a strong discussion point, as many growers particularly in the southern states have already had to control summer weed issues adding to the increasing cost to produce crops this coming season.
  • Good quality cereal hay will be in short demand following two wet springs in many states during 2020 and 2021.
  • Farmers actively seeking out fodder to fill their feed requirements for the coming cooler months.

Driving Prices Down

  • Varied qualities of fodder are currently on the market with new season hay being impacted by rain events across most states.
  • Growers with hay stacked outside of a lower grade will look to trade this in the coming months.
  • Summer rainfall has seen paddock feed continue to do well, alleviating the need for farmers to supplement feed and irrigate extensively. Many also have good, conserved fodder of silage and hay for the coming months.
  • Demand from feedlots continues to be well down as many have cut numbers due to the high purchase price of cattle.

Local News

  • Dry conditions for most parts of the country this week.
  • Farmers and growers of Western Australia continued to provide support and hay donations for those farmers affected by the fires in the Wheat Belt.
  • Trade in hay continues to be slow, which can be traditional for this time of year. The equine industry continues to be consistent consumer looking for good quality fodder.
  • In Queensland, Fall Armyworm monitoring and spraying is well-underway. Summer crops are looking magnificent in the Darling Downs.
  • Summer rain throughout New South Wales has produced grass in the paddocks, any summer coastal hay production continues to be hindered.
  • Lack of rain in Southwest Victoria, and some parts of South Australia and Tasmania are driving some early enquiries from those looking to secure feed allotments for winter.
  • Buyers are encouraged to feed test and view fodder before purchasing to be sure of the quality of the feed.