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
- Mareeba has been much dryer over the last month than Atherton giving growers more opportunities to make hay.
- Silage harvest is complete for now with many farmers now turning their attention to harvesting other commodities.
- Trade continues to be minimal in the region with most farmers able to feed stock with paddock feed that continues to grow across the region as well as conserved silage stores.
- 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
- No significant rain to report this week for the Downs. More rain towards the end of the month will be ideal for the region as new season crops start to lift.
- Silage harvest is complete in the region now with reports from contractors that it was consistent despite issues with mice.
- Majority of new season cropping has now been completed.
- Growers are still not fielding many enquiries for feed as farmers continue to utilise what they have.
- No changes to prices this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($280 to $300/t). Prices remain steady 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
- Up to 15mm has been recorded this week on the North Coast.
- Farmers still reporting plenty of green feed for stock following rain and temperatures of up to 20 degrees most days.
- 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.
- Lucerne continues to be delivered onto the coast for farmers looking for good quality high protein feed.
- 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
- The Central West only recorded light rain this week. June brought up to 140mm for many parts of the region.
- Growers reporting new season crops are doing well and are on track.
- Concern’s mice will be an issue in the spring as they are still able to find shelter and food sources at present. Reports in some places they have targeted new season germinating crops requiring farmers to have bait spread with the aid of planes.
- Enquiries from local farmers with sheep and beef cattle looking for winter feed continues.
- 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
- No changes to pricing this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($170 to $200/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($330 to $380/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
- Dry conditions this week for the valley and mild weather which has been ideal for the region following significant rain in May and June.
- 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.
- An extended wet and cold winter could see a demand for cereal hay and straw increase to carry stock through. Farmers have only just started to feed out silage this month as grass growth slows.
- 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
- A relatively dry week for the region. A break from the wet conditions is needed now.
- Reports new season crops are doing well across the region. Growers are unable to get on paddocks now following significant rain. Many were able to fertilise early on, depending on conditions some more opt to utilise plans for further applications.
- Small amounts of good quality lucerne continue to move into New South Wales primarily the North Coast. Trade of lucerne expected to continue as farmers actively source a good high protein product.
- 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
- Light rainfall this week for Gippsland as well as frost and cold conditions.
- Farmers continuing to receive hay from the north and the west of the state to aid in the recovery process.
- More ongoing rain and poor weather conditions for stock will see a spike in demand from farmers locally.
- The region continues to recover from storm and flood damage. Farmers working through fodder stores quickly with cold conditions. Many making enquiries to secure feed for the remainder of winter.
- www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/floods
- 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
- Reports that the Warrnambool area have recorded up to 100mm for the month of June.
- Traditional movement of cereal and vetch hay coming into the south from the Mallee for primarily dairy farmers as well some beef due to the colder, wet conditions.
- There are varied qualities of hay on the market in the region. Trade expected to increase over July and August as farmers look to get through the end of winter.
- Good quality, undamaged vetch hay being delivered into the Southwest for $270/t.
- 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
- Despite the dry start the small amounts of rain that fell across the Southeast have totalled to 60mm for the month of June with better falls towards the end.
- Recent rain has improved the outlook for growers in the region. More rain needed in late winter and into early spring for crops to finish.
- Local movement of hay will be ongoing for beef and sheep farmers who continue to feed out now until grass returns in the spring. Local growers continue to meet the enquiries for feed in region.
- 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 recorded up to 20mm of rain this week. New season crops benefitting from recent rain, crops will need some warmers days to take off now. Growers now putting our fertiliser prior to rain events on earlier sown crops.
- Growers have significantly reduced cereal hay plantings across the region due to concerns over export opportunities. An increase in legumes this season has been noted, with canola not being an option due to a dry autumn.
- Hay not moving as fast as first predicted. Trade by opportunist farmers taking advantage of the low prices. A small amount of high protein fodder moving to farmers feeding out to sheep in the Renmark area.
- 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
- The York area has recorded 40mm of rain for the month of June.
- Growers continue to apply liquid nitrogen and urea prior to rain events. The season is still on track to do well. 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
- The Northwest has reported up to 100mm of rain for the month of June.
- New season crops responding now with rain. Growers will not be able to get back onto paddocks now until August to fertilise crops or any plantings that were missed in the autumn.
- Plenty of fodder available in the region following a good season.
- Steady amounts of trade continue of cereal and pasture hay as well as silage, growers predicating this to increase over July and August. Many growers will sell out of cereal by the end of winter.
- 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 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. We recommend feed testing and viewing of fodder before purchase to be sure of the quality of feed.