Hay Report – 19 March 2021

• Good rain recorded this week in Southern Queensland, boosting the confidence of farmers and growers coming into the new cropping season.
• Rain forecast this coming weekend for Central New South Wales and into Northern Victoria. Farmers have been moving quickly this week to burn stubble in preparation for autumn cropping.
• Domestic hay sales are still not expected to increase for some time. Many farmers reporting that they have good on farm stores of hay and silage that will see them through the cooler months at this stage.
• Growers are now planning for the new cropping season as well as continuing with spraying programs to control extensive summer weeds.
• Concerns over mice plagues continue through New South Wales and now larger numbers being recorded in Northern Victoria. It has been reported that mice have also caused significant damage to corn crops in some parts of New South Wales.
• We caution buyers and recommend feed-testing and viewing fodder before purchasing to be sure of quality of the feed.

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 growers are enjoying the rain but have struggled to get summer crops in the ground.
• The Fall Armyworm continues to the plague the north with reports of the worm being found as far south as the Darling Downs.
• Significant reduction in hay being made in the area this past season.
• Areas are still not carrying big cattle numbers.

Southern Australia – Summary

• Lucerne continues to be cut but quality still down following wet conditions.
• Gowers in New South Wales are working to prevent a mice plague following a bumper grain season.
• Continuous summer rainfall has brought on many weeds that growers are now having to get on top of before the new cropping season.
• 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

• There is no demand at present. Some hay that hasn’t made the export grade will sell domestically.
• 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. Exporters looking to the west after a very wet spring damaged new season hay through Central South Australia.
• After a dry start to the season Western Australia finished well.
• Good rain that came late in the season was ideal for many parts finishing off crops.
• Prices remain strong for all fodder types in WA.

Regional Commentary

Atherton Tablelands

• Conditions continue to hamper baling in the area with hay getting wet in the past week. A significant amount of hay baled will now be utilised as mulch.
• Grass is plentiful in the area following the ongoing rain.
• Fall Armyworm continues to be a large problem for the region with its ability to cause detrimental damage to corn corps. Its resistance to existing chemicals requires growers to spray multiple times with new costly alternatives.
• Trade continues to be down in the region.
• 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

• Good rainfall this week for the region, with western parts of the Downs recording 100mm of rain further east around Roma received 75mm and Dalby slightly less at 25mm.
• Many parts that had previously missed out on good rain have now had falls that will set growers up for autumn seeding.
• Maize and other summer crops are being cut for silage, down on previous seasons due to a decrease in demand.
• High cattle prices, farmers not restocking and good summer grass are all impacting factors on trade.
• Demand continues to be a record low for the region.
• No changes to prices this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($300 to $320/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($390 to $430/t). Prices have eased 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

• The North Coast region has again recorded over 60mm of rain this past week.
• Rain continues to make it difficult for growers to make hay and silage. Down on previous years due to the low demand.
• Quality grazing feed following the wet conditions continues to support grazing stock.
• Minimal amounts of hay have been moving locally.
• Depleted stock numbers in the region continue to impact demand.
• Cereal hay, straw, and lucerne prices quoted are for supplies to be carted into the region.
• No changes to prices this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($250 to $300/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($400 to $450/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 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.

Central West NSW

• Light rain early in the week falling across the northern parts of Central West NSW following heavier storms.
• Growers are now preparing for the new cropping season.
• Plenty of feed in the region continues to have an impact on demand.
• Continued good conditions on the coast have also meant trade is significantly down to these parts.
• Growers and farmers continue to bait mice to keep them under control after building to plague proportions.
• The market continues to be very slow.
• No changes to prices this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($220 to $240/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($350 to $450/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

• Up to 20mm of rain has fallen across the valley this week.
• Growers are concentrating on kikuyu grass and keeping summer weeds down.
• Small amount of quality cereal hay coming into the valley for dairy farmers who have pre-ordered.
• Summer rain continues to setup growers for the coming season.
• Good stores of on farm fodder are giving farmers confidence as they head into the milder months.
• Demand remains quiet in the Bega Valley.
• No changes to prices this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($300 to $350/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($600 to $650/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

• Up to 10mm of rain was recorded across the region earlier in the week.
• Predicted rain has seen many growers rushing to burn off paddocks in preparation for autumn seeding.
• Forecast rain has also meant growers are also getting lime and gypsum out.
• Summer weeds continue to be an issue in the area following the summer rainfall. Growers are working to get these under control.
• Corn is starting to be cut for silage, milder conditions have delayed the start of the season.
• Demand continues to be well down.
• No changes to pricing this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($190 to $220/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

• No significant rain to report this week for Gippsland.
• The region has dried out, rain needed now for paddock grasses.
• The dryer conditions are not alarming farmers at present due to the large amount of silage made over the past season. Growers will need a good autumn break for new season cropping.
• Maize silage plantings down on previous years as farmers have significant stores of grass silage.
• The milder conditions have delayed the start of the corn silage season.
• Growers have stored majority of last season’s hay and will continue to store until trade increases.
• No changes to pricing this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($280 to $330/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

• No rain recorded again this week in Southwest Victoria.
• Ongoing rain needed to keep feed going.
• The area is still doing well and like many parts are going into the cooler season now with good hay and silage stores.
• Some farmers have taken advantage of the lower prices and purchased what they can to carry them through.
• Regular trade continues into the area of cereal and vetch for pre-committed clients, primarily dairy farms.
• No changes to pricing this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($170 to $230/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

• Up to 10mm of rain fell earlier in the week in the region, Keith recording just over 8mm.
• Varied qualities of new season cereal hay on the market.
• Growers now planning for the new season.
• With improved conditions the small amount of demand into areas that were still dry such Western Queensland will slow down now following rain.
• Local demand continues to be down.
• No changes in pricing this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($220 to $250/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

• No rain to report for Central South Australia this week.
• It has been a bumper season for straw baling.
• Growers now working towards to new season plantings.
• Local farmers feed situation is still good.
• Local and interstate domestic demand continues to be down.
• No changes in pricing this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($200 to $250/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($400 to $480/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

• No rain to report in west for the last week.
• Continued good rain needed to provide an autumn break for growers. Current conditions are better than twelve months ago.
• Domestic trade continues to be minimal in the region.
• Cereal hay quality was excellent in most areas.
• Majority of new season hay has now been absorbed by the export market after a good end to the season.
• No changes in pricing this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($280 to $350/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

• No significant rain to report this week.
• The region is dryer now then it had been all summer, the days are still warm for this time of year.
• The hay season has now come to an end in the Northwest.
• The last of the lucerne is being cut now, some growers have made it into silage rather than hay due to the slow drying time.
• There is a big variance in quality with earlier hay impacted by weather, more recent hay has been able to be baled without any damage.
• Hay sales have been slow, if it doesn’t rain that will change and farmers will need extra feed for the cooler months.
• No changes in pricing this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($200 to $250/t) Prices have eased 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.