Northern Australia – Summary
- 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 refreshed following good rainfall over the past month. Many parts that were still marked as dry have now had record falls setting them up for the coming season.
- Significant reduction in hay being made in the area this past season.
- Areas are still not carrying big cattle numbers.
Southern Australia – Summary
- A good autumn break has been received through New South Wales and Northern Victoria now.
- Gowers in New South Wales are working to prevent a mice plague following a bumper grain season.
- Seeding of new season crops is well underway, growers still need further timely rain for new season crops in South Australia, Wimmera, and the Mallee.
- Straw has been baled mostly in South Australia to meet contracts for the next twelve months for mushroom and chicken farms as well as feedlots.
- Demand still expected to be down for some time.
- Quality varies for the three states depending on the severity of weather damage.
Western Australia – Summary
- A good break has been felt with rain falling over the last month as growers continue to plant new season crops.
- Hay moving domestically due to recent trade issues with China.
- The export industry continues to dominate the WA market and is a solid indicator on pricing. Exporters continue to seek out quality hay and as a result will set the price in the market.
- Exporter hay grading well this season with some areas able to produce super premium. Ongoing uncertainty for new season production due to current trading concerns.
- The west again starting the season dry and needing an autumn break.
- Prices remain strong for all fodder types in WA.
Regional Commentary
Atherton Tablelands
- Dryer conditions this week and warmer days for the region. Growers have been able to cut grass again with the expectation that the coming week is also dry. Ongoing wet conditions have hampered the drying time needed for hay.
- Silage harvest has been affected by wet conditions as well. Many growers still have feed needing to be chopped.
- Trade continues to be limited in the region, with small amounts being transported for weaners.
- 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
- Damp conditions for parts of the Darling Downs this past week. The first half of June has brought up to 20mm across this region.
- Silage harvest is nearly completed for the region. Crops were planted later than normal due to season conditions. Recent rain has also made it difficult for growers to complete.
- Majority of new season cereal cropping has now been completed.
- Farmers are still seeing feed in paddocks with recent rain and mild daytime temperatures with days reaching up to 20 degrees.
- Trade remains limited, with many farmers still able to feed stock with conserved fodder.
- Price change to cereal hay this week.
- Cereal hay: -$20 ($280 to $300/t). Prices have eased 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.
North Coast NSW
- This week the Lismore area received up to 10mm of rain. A dryer week in comparison to May with the North Coast recording up to 150mm.
- Paddocks have been too wet for some growers to finish planting winter crops in the Lismore area. Dryer conditions now will enable farmers to potentially complete some of these before the season becomes too late.
- Farmers are reporting plenty of green feed for stock following the ongoing rain and mild temperatures in the Coffs Harbour area.
- The Taree region continues to receive donated hay from across New South Wales. Farmers now looking to the spring when pastures will be productive again. Cooler winter conditions have slowed the growth now on the new plantings following the autumn flooding.
- Cereal hay, straw, and lucerne prices quoted are for supplies to be carted into the region.
- Disaster flood recovery grants up to $75,000 for primary producers – Rural Assistance Authority https://raa.nsw.gov.au/disaster-assistance/special-disaster-grants-floods
- No changes to pricing this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($220 to $280/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
- Up to 10mm of rain was recorded in the north this past week, taking the area to 100mm for the month of June. While heavy snow falls were reported at Orange following a cold snap across the state.
- Majority of new season crops are now in with some growers reporting that new lucerne plantings are still to go in once paddocks have dried enough.
- Significant mice numbers continue to damage fodder stores, as they eat through weather damaged hay from last season. There are reports that numbers could be slowing down due to the work of farmers baiting and reducing food sources.
- Enquiries from local farmers with sheep and beef cattle looking for winter feed. Summer grasses have burnt off now with frost and cool soil temperatures following a mild summer.
- Market shows there is plenty of lower grade hay available for trade in the region. Buyers continue to show concern when making inquiry around mice damaged cereal hay.
- 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
- Changes to lucerne and cereal hay this week.
- Cereal hay: -$10 ($170 to $200/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Lucerne hay: -$20 ($330 to $380/t). Prices have eased 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
- The Bega Valley has recorded up to 10mm of rain this week.
- Farmers are wanting to cut excess grass and spread fertiliser, but conditions are making it difficult with paddocks too wet following significant rainfall over the last two months.
- A wet and cold winter could see a demand for cereal hay and straw increase to carry stock through the colder months. Farmers have only just started to feed out silage this month as grass growth slows. Demand for purchase feed remains subdued as farmers continue to use conserved feed.
- 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
- Reports of storm activity to the east this week. Mostly cold, overcast, and misty rain over the past seven days for the Goulburn Valley.
- New season cropping is nearing completion, with rain continuing to fall at ideal times for many growers.
- There are reports of fertiliser going out now on new season winter crops prior to forecast rain in the region.
- Pasture growth rates are reportedly slowing with the cooler conditions being experienced across the region.
- Small amounts of good quality lucerne continue to move into New South Wales primarily the North Coast. Trade of lucerne expected to continue and potentially increase as farmers actively source good quality fodder.
- Significant amount of hay remains stored on farm which is anticipated to keep demand down locally over the coming months.
- 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
- Gippsland is this week recovering from heavy rainfall and flooding following an extreme weather event last week. With reports of 300mm falling in the south.
- Traralgon being one of the hardest hit locations by the storm. Farmers have started to receive hay from the north and the west of the state to aid in the recovery process. The full extent of damage is only now being determined.
- Up until now trade has been minimal with enquiry from farmers wintering cattle. More ongoing rain and poor weather conditions for stock will see a spike in demand from farmers locally.
- No change to prices this week.
- Cereal hay: +/- ($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: +/-0 ($100 to $120/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
- Light rain in the south this week, Warrnambool recording 50mm for the month of June. Further north Horsham received 30mm.
- Grazing feed slowing down now with cooler conditions.
- Demand for pasture hay from cattle farmers looking for good feed to carry stock through the next few months.
- Steady amount of cereal hay coming into the south for dairy farmers taking the opportunity while the product is available, and prices are low.
- There are varied qualities of hay on the market in the region. Trade expected to increase over the next two months as farmers deal with winter conditions.
- 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
- Southeast South Australia recorded 10mm of rain this week. Reports from growers that it is still dry for this time of year. Topsoil moisture is there for germinating crops now but further down remains dry.
- Growers continue to seed winter crops; many are up to three weeks behind on normal planting dates. Recent rain has improved the outlook for growers in the region. Late winter early spring rain will be ideal for the region.
- Local trade continues for beef and sheep farmers who will continue to feed out now until grass returns in the spring. Trade has been steady, but a huge demand is yet to be seen as many farmers utilise fodder on hand.
- 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
- Central South Australia have recorded 20mm of rain in the last 24 hours. With little to no rain for most of the year the rain is timely and will boost new season crops that were predominantly sown dry.
- There are reports that growers have not significantly reduced cereal hay plantings, as previously expected.
- Cool conditions now increasing demand for fodder as farmers continue to feed out to stock. Demand for feed locally could continue to rise as farmers plan for the remainder of winter and until viable paddock grasses return.
- Many growers in the region have good fodder stores and will be able to meet local demand.
- 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
- Light rain across the Southwest this week with some parts recording 10mm.
- Growers are applying nitrogen and some early weed control to crops that already have good height. The season continues to be on track and discussion around good yields are already being reported. The west will still need follow up rain and to avoid late frosts and spring heat.
- Minimal domestic trade at present with small amounts of cereal and straw being taken up by cattle farmers.
- Farmers aware that more good quality cereal hay could come onto the domestic market in the coming months following ongoing trade issues.
- 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
- Smithton recorded 28mm of rain this week.
- Lower country is starting to be wet. It is too late for any seeding now that still needed to be completed.
- Plenty of fodder available in the region following a good season.
- Small amounts of inquiry for hay at present and some trading of silage, growers predicating this to increase over July and August.
- Chaff mills have reported in rise in demand after a slow period of trade.
- 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 have eased 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.