Hay Report – 21 May 2021

National Commentary

• Despite a good autumn break reaching many parts of Australia the Mallee and Wimmera in Victoria and throughout most of South Australia remain dry. A significant amount of dry seeding has taken place in these parts and crops are yet to germinate.
• Farmers in South Australia continue to feed out to stock and this will only increase in coming months even if rain does fall across the region. Much of the southern parts of Australia are experiencing cool conditions now much earlier than last year. Good feed in many parts will start to slow down now. An extended cold and wet winter will put pressure on fodder stores.
• It is thought good quality cereal hay will be in short supply due to several stores being destroyed by mice across New South Wales.
• Many growers have opted to increase grain plantings this year especially canola due to the attractive price. Production of new season hay could be well down this year across the country despite the need for good quality cereal hay following a wet 2020 spring in three states.
• Minimal trade again this week, growers fielding questions around the extent of mice damage to their hay as farmers continue cautious buying.
• Cattle farmers may also put pressure on the market in the coming months as they look to carry valuable stock through, looking for better quality feed.
• Mice continue to cause significant damage to summer crops in Queensland as well as hay stores in Central New South Wales. They are now being reported across New South Wales and Victoria by growers who have started seeding. Many will spread bait on paddocks to prevent as much loss as possible of grain.
• Buyers are encouraged to feed test and view fodder before purchasing to be sure of the 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 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.
• 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

• 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 need follow up rain for germination 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 plan 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

• No significant rain this past week for the Tablelands.
• Better hay making conditions for growers this past fortnight. Growers have been able to cut older grass that had become to rank with wet conditions allowing new grass to grow.
• Weather damaged hay is up on previous years and will be utilised by local avocados growers as mulch.
• Silage harvest has been plagued by the ongoing wet conditions.
• Trade continues to be slow in the region. Good widespread rain further west has meant some areas are seeing grass come back.
• 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

• The last fortnight has seen another 27mm of rain recorded across the Downs with Gatton reporting 50mm.
• Ongoing rain has been ideal setting growers up for a good season.
• Silage harvest is nearly completed it has been a difficult task as mice continue to have a big impact on yields.
• New season cropping is well under way in the region.
• Trade in the area continues to be at an all-time low.
• Cattle farmers in the area are still working with reduced stock numbers and the need to buy in feed at this stage is still minimal.
• 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 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

• No rain recorded in the last seven days. Rain is forecast for the coming week.
• Feed continues to grow well in the region with mild days of up to 24 degrees.
• Growers have also seeded new season ryegrass. Growers on the western part of the North Coast are still to start seeding new winter crops.
• Farmers that can store fodder on farm are sourcing out quality affordable hay.
• Requests for cereal hay and some silage, are coming from farmers weaning cattle.
• Still large number of weaner cattle selling at store sales in the region.
• Further south in the Taree area continues to recover from the floods. There is a green tinge across the flats, farmers continue to feed stock until grass is ample again. Donated hay has flowed into the area over the last two months, this has started to slow now.
• 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

• No rain to report this week for the Central West.
• Conditions have been ideal for the region with recent rain falling at the right time as growers continue to seed new season crops.
• Many growers have been spreading bait for mice during planting or straight after to prevent too much seed loss.
• Significant mice numbers across the Central West continue to destroy fodder stores.
• A shortage of good quality cereal hay in the region following wet hay making conditions last year and ongoing damage by mice.
• Trade still at a minimum with reports of lucerne hay moving to dairy farmers on the far North Coast.
• Growers in the north that had good quality fodder stored have tried to move this before mice have moved into the area.
• Mouse control support package | NSW Government
• $50 million support package to help regional communities combat mouse plague | NSW Government
• No changes to pricing this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($190 to $220/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 ($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 second week of May brought another 140mm of rain to the Valley. Bega has recorded up to 330mm of rain for the Month of May
• Good conditions continue for the Bega region. A wet and cold winter could see a demand for cereal hay and straw increase to carry stock through.
• Consistent small amounts of cereal hay coming onto the coast for dairy farmers with springing cattle.
• Significant amounts of conserved fodder stored on farm will see farmers through for some time yet.
• Demand remains quiet locally.
• No changes to pricing this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($300 to $340/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

• No rain to report for the last seven days. The area has been receiving small amounts up to 10mm at a time which is enough to keep crops germinating.
• New season cropping is continuing, it will be crucial that rain continues to fall at the right times for the season to progress well.
• Feed is starting to slow down now 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 expected to keep demand down locally over the coming months.
• 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

• Easterly rain this week with some parts recording up to 35mm. Toora and Yarram reported to have received these falls while south Gippsland missing out.
• Seeding of new season grass is now predominately completed in the region.
• The last of the maize silage harvest has been slowed down by waterlogged paddocks.
• Farmers still have good fodder stores on farm, particularly silage. If the season becomes too wet farmers will need extra feed to get through.
• Inquiry from farmers planning for winter months continues. Farmers continue to seek out good quality fodder to meet protein needs over the coming months.
• 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

• The Warrnambool district has recorded up to 17mm in the last seven days.
• The Mallee and Wimmera are still significantly dry and need good rainfall now to support crops that have been dry seeded. Many growers reporting less than 4mm of rain has fallen on new season crops.
• Good conditions in the south still providing plenty of feed for grazing stock.
• Farmers with storage continue to seek out good quality hay, taking advantage of low prices.
• Movement of pre committed hay continues to move into the south from the Wimmera fro dairy farmers. Small amount of trade into local feedlots as well.
• Varied qualities of hay on the market in the Southwest. Trade expected to increase as the weather becomes cooler and feed slows down.
• 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

• The region has now recorded up to 10mm for the month of May. Conditions are still dry and good falls needed now.
• Some growers have reduced cereal hay plantings this season due to the continued issues over export.
• Crops that had been dry sown are yet to germinate. Many growers are well into new season cropping now despite the lack of rain, while others have started following the light falls in the past week.
• Inquiry continues to come in for fodder as farmers plan how they will feed stock over the winter period due to the dry conditions that have impacted the region over the last four months. Many farmers already working through a significant amount of stored hay.
• Reports of small amounts of vetch coming into the region as farmers continue to seek out good quality feed. Also, cereal hay that wasn’t severally damaged but has a bleached appearance is being traded locally for beef cattle.
• Black crickets have also been an issue for growers, feeding on freshly planted seed.
• 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

• It remains dry in Central South Australia.
• There has been a large amount of dry seeding take place across the region now.
• Rain needed across the Central South now to support winter plantings, cropping options reducing as the season becomes later.
• Inquiry from farmers planning for winter stock feeding as many are already feeding out due to the ongoing dry conditions across region. Inquiry for high protein fodder to carry young stock through.
• If it continues to stay dry domestic demand will continue to increase for local growers.
• 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

• No significant rain to report this week.
• The region is still tracking well after good rainfall during the first week of May with some areas recording over 60mm. Small amounts of rain now will be enough to keep new seasons crops progressing.
• Many growers have adjusted their cropping rotations in the West due to recent concerns over international trade. A significant amount of canola has been planted in place of oat crops as we continue to see the price of canola rise.
• No domestic trade at present, most movement is reported to be straw moving into hay plants.
• Farmers aware that more good quality cereal hay could come onto the domestic market in the coming months following ongoing trade issues.
• Cereal hay quality was excellent in most areas this past season.
• 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

• Light rain across the Northwest over the past seven days with some parts recording up to 10mm.
• Conditions have been much dryer in comparison to summer. Mild days at present following cool overnight conditions.
• New season grasses have been seeded in the region and growers are starting on other plantings now including cereal hay varieties.
• Plenty of fodder available in the region following a good season.
• Small amounts of inquiry for hay at present, growers predicating this to increase over the coming months with winter.
• Chaff mills have reported in rise in demand after a slow period of trade.
• Good quality cereal hay trading well pushing the top end price back up again another $15/t.
• Cereal hay: +/15 ($200 to $250/t) Prices have increased 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.