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- Victorian cereal hay prices have increased this week, the first rise in eight weeks. It could be a sign the market is settling after July’s record highs, but is more likely tied to growers turning cereal crops to hay instead of grain, due to oversupply and grain price pressure. One to watch.
- Darling Downs pasture hay prices also lifted this week. First cuts are yielding less than cereal hay in the region, which may be pushing prices up. This is the first area to see fresh supply coming in, thanks to strong growth and favourable conditions.
- Hay prices mostly continue to ease after July’s record-highs, as the market resets following months of drought and limited early producer planning.
- Many buyers expect fresh hay imminently. Delays from dry conditions mean new-season hay may not reach sheds until late October.
- With grain prices under pressure from strong harvests here and overseas, some growers are baling wheat and barley instead. This should bring cereal hay to market in the coming weeks, marking the first real lift in national supply in months.
- Buyers should note that most online listings represent carryover hay. Prices do not always reflect shed-floor value, particularly for higher-grade loads.
- Buyers are encouraged to feed test and view fodder before purchase to ensure feed quality.