Hay Report – 23 July 2021

NATIONAL SUMMARY

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Driving Prices Up

• The cost of production for growers has had a big leap in comparison to previous years with fertiliser and chemical shortages due to COVID has seen a spike in pricing.
• Vetch has been increasing in popularity over the last couple of years due to its high protein. This season potentially there will be a shortage of the product with many areas traditionally know for growing vetch such as the Mallee and South Australia haven’t been able to due to a late start to the season.
• Wet and cold conditions across Southern Australia which are predicted to continue for another four to six weeks which will mean 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.
• A shortage of good quality cereal hay is being reported as grower’s stores have been drained of any remaining 2019 hay and undamaged past seasons has also started to move over the last month and is expected to be depleted.

Driving Prices Down

• 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.
• High cattle prices continue to impact demand as many areas in Queensland and New South Wales had destocked significantly during the dryer time and are in the process of increasing numbers again through breeding.
• Domestic hay trade has been at all time low for eighteen months due to improved conditions across the entire country. High prices and big volumes being frighted over significant distances was a reflection of long-term drought primarily on the eastern side of the country which has now ended.
• Varied qualities of fodder are currently on the market particularly weather damaged cereal hay that growers potentially want to move to make way for new season hay.

Local News

• Rain again this week across many parts making conditions difficult for growers wanting to spray and fertilise. Paddocks are not drying out between weather fronts and with the combination of significant cold, crop growth has slowed but with five weeks till spring growers are still anticipating a good finish to the season.
• Farmers in many regions are feeding out while paddock grass is dormant and to prevent stock from bogging up paddocks that will be grazed or cut for silage in the spring.
• Wet and cold conditions have significantly delayed the harvest of summer crops with many having to abandon some maize chopping in the southern Victoria.
• 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 that it has been a more traditional weather pattern with rain tracking from Geraldton down to Esperance. 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.

Regional Commentary

Atherton Tablelands

• Better conditions in the last seven days for growers wanting to cut grass for hay. Still a significant amount being sold for mulch after an inclement number of months now.
• Growers have planted some cereals in the region with cutting planned for October depending on conditions. Ideally this will be for winter trade when rhodes grass production is slower.
• Small amounts of trade for weaning cattle remains the only market at present. Feed is amble in the region for grazing stock and will continue to improve now with better weather conditions. Farmers still carrying amble silage stores as well.
• 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 rain to report this week for the Darling Downs. A continued break in the wet conditions needed now.
• Reports that some growers are still trying to cut summer crops, these have been delayed with wet and now cold conditions.
• New season winter crops are doing well. Early barley crops are ready to be cut for silage within the fortnight depending on the weather.
• Many farmers are purchasing cattle and feeding with conserved fodder and paddock feed and turning them over while market prices remain strong.
• 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

• No rain to report for the North Coast for the past seven days.
• Ample grazing feed for stock with dryer conditions now. Growers and dairy farmers preparing to make silage in the coming month.
• Good quality cereal hay for dairy farmers freighting in from north-eastern New South Wales. Small amounts of local trade for farmers with weaning stock as well.
• Cereal hay, straw, and lucerne prices quoted are for supplies to be carted into the region.
• No changes to pricing this week.
• Cereal hay: +/0 ($250 to $300/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

• Cold and wet conditions for the Central West this week. Up to 8mm of rain was recorded as well as a significant frost at -4 degrees.
• Water logging is still being reported in the north with overcast conditions and consistent small amounts of rain making it difficult for paddocks to dry out. With some growers having abandoned planting now on crops that still needed to be seeded.
• In general, most new season crops are doing well, growth is slow due to the ongoing cold conditions. Some growers have grazed earlier crops due to being to advance for this time of year.
• Trade is minimal in the region with reports of small amounts freighting to the Taree area for regular buyers.
• 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

• Frosty conditions this week for the Bega Valley with no rain recorded.
• Much dryer conditions over the last fortnight and warmer days this week enabling growers to get onto paddocks. Grass improving for stock with ideal growing conditions.
• Farmers are still utilising conserved on farm fodder to feed stock and have been able to manage the moderate winter conditions thus far. Unlikely the need for extensive amounts of extra feed to come into the Valley at this stage.
• 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

• Wet and cold conditions have continued this week across the region with 10 – 15mm of rain recorded.
• Very minimal rain needed now, paddocks are wet, and farmers continue to feed additional fodder to support stock as cold conditions continue. Local trade not expected to increase as farmers have sufficient stores of hay and silage.
• Small amounts of good quality lucerne continue to move into New South Wales primarily the North Coast.
• 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

• A much dryer fortnight for Gippsland with only light rain recorded in the north for the past seven days. Cold and overcast conditions preventing paddocks from still drying out.
• Large quantities of fodder continue to be feed out to stock which will continue until conditions improve. This could be another four weeks away for the region.
• Despite the wet conditions Gippsland is on track for a good season.
• The region continues to recover from storm and flood damage. Many making enquiries to secure feed for the remainder of winter. A variety of feed moving into Gippsland with farmers making sure not to leave themselves short.
• agriculture.vic.gov.au/floods
• No change to pricing this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($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: +/- ($90 to $110/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

• Warrnambool recorded over 30mm of rain this week, taking July to over 70mm. Farmers in the area continue to feed out to stock as paddocks are too wet for any grazing. Many farmers continue to work through stored fodder.
• Wet conditions in the Horsham area now with continuous rain over June and July.
• Growers in the Mallee and Wimmera now seeing crops improve with recent rain. Ongoing good rainfall with be needed in the area for crops to finish well.
• Farmers had been taking advantage of low prices and storing some fodder. Majority of good quality hay has now we sold from the Wimmera and Mallee.
• 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

• Up to 10mm fell across the Southeast this week.
• Growers reporting crops are progressing well now despite the slow start to the season and are in the process now of spraying and fertilising prior to weather fronts passing through.
• Local movement of hay continuing for beef and sheep farmers who have been feeding out for a number a month’s now due to a dry start.
• Steady trade for growers which looks to slow down further now as new season grasses will improve over the coming month.
• 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

• Most parts of the Central South recording 30 – 40m of rain for the month of July.
• The last six weeks has seen a big shift in the season with crops now doing well. Growers taking the opportunity between weather fronts to spray and spread fertiliser.
• Growers have significantly reduced cereal hay plantings across the region due to concerns over limited export opportunities. Exporters will only be taking premium hay with a backlog still of last season’s lower grade hay. Many growers have opted to increase legume plantings this year.
• Local trade has been steady with many reporting moving more hay then expected as farmers continue to seek out high protein fodder.
• 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

• Margaret River have received their average annual rainfall in the first half of the year with 850 – 900mm being recorded across the region.
• Good conditions brought amble grass much earlier this year for farmers in the river country eliminating the need for many to purchase any extra hay. Growers in the region would have normally sold out of last year’s pasture hay but are still carrying stores.
• Reports that growers in the Wheat Belt region are finding it difficult to get onto paddocks with the continued rain.
• Minimal domestic trade at present with small amounts of cereal and straw being taken up by cattle farmers on the coast.
• With a significant reduction in cereal hay plantings in the west it will be timely to see what is produced this spring and if domestic demands can be meet.
• Pricing changes to pasture hay 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: -$20 ($180 to $200/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.

Northwest Tasmania

• Up to 20mm of rain was recorded in the last seven days for the Northwest.
• Conditions are cold and wet for the region with growers having to wait now until the spring to complete any additional seeding or replacing of any water damaged crops and pasture.
• August is often the biggest trading month as farmers run out of fodder. Stock are being feed conserved feed consistently at present to prevent too much damage to paddocks.
• 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.