National Commentary
- Flood affected areas from Port Macquarie down to Taree continue to dry out following recent floods. Fodder continues to be freighted into these areas through purchases and donations. It will be six to eight weeks before these areas will have feed on paddocks again. If more rain was to fall in the regions this would put farmers recovery any further back.
- While local trade is starting to slightly increase in parts it will take significant trading to push prices up. In many parts feedlots are opting to purchase grain over fodder due to the affordability of grain at present.
- Farmers will opt to freight in good quality feed at a reasonable price such as lucerne or vetch then purchase weather damaged hay. There is a significant amount of weather damaged hay stored in sheds and outside stacks across South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales.
- A spike in demand may come depending on the winter conditions and as farmers deplete their own fodder stores. Currently South Australia is still waiting for a decent autumn break and farmers have started to feed stock.
- Mice continue to cause significant damage to summer crops in Queensland as well as hay stores in Central New South Wales.
- 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.
- 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
- 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
- Up to 150mm of rain has fallen this week across the Tablelands.
- Growers are unable to get onto paddocks to cut hay.
- Harvesting of maize in the area for silage has been delayed again this week with wet conditions.
- Trade continues to be slow in the region. Reports that the widespread rain has meant some areas are seeing grass come back which is reducing the need to buy in fodder, grain and other supplements that they normally would have at this time of year.
- 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
- 15mm of rain was recorded this week in the Warwick region.
- Growers are reporting that they cannot recall the last time they had such a good start to the season.
- Mice are causing extensive damage to a number of current crops including maize. Growers have been air baiting into paddocks to try and slow numbers down. Recent rain did reduce mice numbers, but an increase again now due to a good food source.
- Some growers taking advantage of the good moisture and will plant early oat crops.
- Trade in the region is still very slow.
- High cattle prices, farmers not restocking and good summer grass continue to be impacting factors on trade.
- 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
- Rain continues to fall on the North Coast with 25mm recorded in the last seven days.
- Green feed not growing as quickly now with cooler nights.
- Small quantities of silage being made in the area at present, this will be the last cut now for the season.
- Growers have also seeded new season ryegrass.
- Despite the huge rainfall over the last four months the region will still need rain to continue to fall at the right times to stop paddocks from drying out too quickly.
- Cereal hay coming onto the coast from the Gunnedah region. Growers wanting to move good quality feed before it is potentially destroyed by mice.
- Reports this week as well that good quality lucerne hay is being frighted in from Central New South Wales for dairy farmers in the Coffs Harbour region.
- Requests for cereal hay and some silage, are coming from farmers weaning cattle.
- 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
- Prices changes this week to cereal and lucerne hay.
- Cereal hay: -$25 ($220 to $280/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Lucerne hay: -$20 ($380 to $430/t). Prices have eased 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
- No rain to report this week.
- Seeding of new season crops has started in the north as well as some growers further south have started with early grazing crops. Many growers are holding off starting due to the significant number of mice still in the area. Baiting with seeding is a costly option for growers.
- Growers reporting up to 30% loss of stored hay due to mice damage. Some growers have pushed out whole stacks that will be burnt now due to the damage.
- Some trade occurring onto the central coast now to farmers primarily dairy farmers needing cereal hay for stock recovering from the wet conditions. Growers are having to make sure any hay sold or donated is free of mice damage. Mice residue can be toxic to stock and in the case where dead mice are consumed there is an elevated risk of Botulism.
- Price changes this week for cereal and lucerne hay.
- Cereal hay: -$25 ($190 to $220/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Lucerne hay: -$25 ($350 to $400/t). Prices have eased 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
- Very light rainfall this week for the Valley.
- The Bega region now in a good position following ongoing rainfall.
- 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.
- Farmers will value local due to the weather damaged cereal hay that is on the market.
- Demand remains quiet locally.
- Price changes this week to cereal and lucerne hay.
- Cereal hay: -$5 ($300 to $340/t). Prices have eased this week.
- Lucerne hay: -$50 ($550 to $600/t). Prices have eased 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 for the Goulburn Murray Valley to report.
- New season cropping will start in the region towards the end of the month.
- Grass is still growing well in the area and water is also affordable for those wanting to irrigate.
- A significant amount of lime and gypsum continues to go out.
- Conditions over the last fortnight have been good for growers trying to complete maize harvesting.
- No major inquiry for hay, small amounts of good quality lucerne has moved into New South Wales primarily the North Coast.
- Significant amount of hay remains stored on farm.
- 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
- Light rain earlier in the week for Gippsland.
- Growers continue overseeding of grass with rye in the region.
- Recent rain has improved paddock feed for farmers. Fertiliser has also been going out on pastures.
- Still a significant amount of maize to be chopped for silage, mild summer conditions and rain continue to delay the harvest. Growers will have to make a decision whether to go in and chop the crops as they are.
- Inquiry starting up, farmers will try to buy locally to fill any gaps rather than freight in cereal hay that is downgraded from weather damage. Freighting will be reserved for good quality lucerne and vetch.
- Also, small amounts of requests for weather damaged hay being utilised by dairy farmers for dry stock.
- Farmers still have good fodder stores on farm. Its anticipated demand could spike come July depending on the winter conditions.
- 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 significant rain to report this week.
- 2020 hay that was produced without rain damage still not classed as good quality as its testing lower due to the extensive bulk in the crops.
- Grass has started to be seeded in the south.
- Mallee and Wimmera are significantly dry and need a break now to get new season seeding underway.
- Trade has picked up slightly into feedlots and dairy farms. Farmers with storage continue to seek out good quality hay, taking advantage of low prices.
- Some farmers are starting to feed out to supplement the green feed still growing. Stock numbers are still good in the region compared to further north where numbers have reduced due to the dry and high market prices.
- Price changes this week to cereal hay.
- Cereal hay: +/-$10 ($170 to $210/t). Prices have eased 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
- No rain to report again this week for Southeast South Australia.
- Small amount of moisture has allowed some germination for growers to get in and spray and start new season cropping.
- Some growers will consider producing less hay this season due to the continued slow trade and still carrying majority of last season’s hay.
- If conditions stay dry more farmers will start feeding out to stock which will increase demand from local growers.
- Small amount of inquiry coming through for lucerne.
- Price changes this week to cereal hay.
- Cereal hay: -$30 ($190 to $220/t). Prices have eased 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 again for Central South Australia again this week.
- Growers still waiting for an autumn break, there has been some dry seeding in the region.
- Growers that haven’t been in the hay industry for long will opt to decrease hay plantings this year due to the significant carry over.
- Increased inquiry due to the dry conditions, from dairy farmers South of Adelaide in the Victor Harbour area.
- If it continues to stay dry domestic demand will continue to increase for local growers.
- Small amount of straw still moving for bedding and into mushroom farms.
- 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
- Just east of Perth are reporting to have had a good autumn break now. New season cropping is underway for this area.
- Ongoing rain needed to keep the region on track.
- An increase in domestic trade has occurred while export to China remains on hold. Growers continue to take the opportunity to sell stores locally.
- Farmers aware that more good quality cereal hay could come onto the domestic market in the coming months.
- Concern’s growers could be left with a significant carry over due to the current export situation.
- New season cropping rotations could see growers reduce hay production and increase grains and even canola due to the current value of this crop.
- Cereal hay quality was excellent in most areas this past 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
- 40mm of this rain week, a cold front has also some through with this.
- The autumn break received at the end of March is good timing now for growers.
- Still good green feed for grazing stock.
- Some of the summer crops still going back into grass, rain slowing process down.
- Growers need good conditions to be able to get onto paddocks for new season cropping. If it becomes too wet quickly it will be very difficult.
- Inquiry is slow for cereal hay and silage, but wet colder conditions could quickly change this.
- 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.