NATIONAL SUMMARY
Driving Prices Up
– Reduced production of hay for export across the West and South Australia will mean no overflow
into the domestic market.
– Despite a strong cattle market feedlots are increasing numbers to meet export markets and will
need the fodder to support this demand.
– A new season shortage of good quality cereal how as many growers weigh up a potential wet
spring, increase in mice and good grain prices with continued reports of flooding in China and
Russia’s grain harvest significantly down.
– Wet and cold conditions have continued across Southern Australia and into Western Australia
which are predicted to be the same for the remainder of August. This means some farmers will
need to seek out additional fodder to carry valuable stock through until viable grasses are up,
and paddocks can handle traffic again.
Driving Prices Down
– All time high cattle prices continue to impact the trade of hay as many farmers are selling stock
at weaning and not requiring the extra feed to carry them through.
– Significant amount of weather damaged hay is on the market now as growers look to move this
before the new season. Any farmers that are wanting to purchase fodder are not interested in
lower grade meaning this product will continue to sit on the market for some time and will be
slow to move.
– Many farmers continue to work through conserved on farm stores eliminating a need to buy in
feed. Last spring a significant amount of silage was made across New South Wales and Victoria
and farmers have only started to utilise this feed since early June.
– Domestic hay trade has been at all time low for eighteen months due to improved conditions
across the entire country. Another good season will provide plenty of good quality grazing grass
and pastures for stock over the coming months.
Local News
– Dryer conditions for many parts this last fortnight enabling growers to try and spray and spread
fertiliser where possible. Growers encouraged to be vigilant in the watching for disease in crops
from wet conditions as well mice.
– Many farmers still feeding out in south Gippsland and northern Victoria where paddocks have
still been too wet to graze and farmers wanting to prevent too much damage from stock before
cutting for silage.
– In the north 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 reporting one of the best starts to a season
following good rainfall for the first half of the year.
– Southern Australia is again on track for a good season with timely rain, most regions are
reporting good growth. Several key factors still needed to take place and a relatively dry spring
to improve on last year’s season.
– Western Australia has recorded one of its best season breaks. Rain has been widespread this
season with reports July was one of the wettest months on record. Perditions of high yielding
crops continue to be discussed for the west. Prices remain strong for all fodder types in WA.
– Buyers are encouraged to feed test and view fodder before purchasing to be sure of the quality
of the feed