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
- The tablelands have been plagued with damp conditions, making it difficult for growers wanting to bale rhodes grass.
- Silage harvest is nearing completion with many farmers now turning their attention to harvesting other commodities.
- Trade continues to be limited in the region, no export cattle going out at present.
- Many farmers selling cattle at weaning due to continued strong prices rather than carrying younger stock through.
- 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
- Rain is forecast now for the end of the week. Conditions are still favourable at present and rain now will be timely for recently planted winter crops.
- 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.
- Farmers are still seeing feed in paddocks with recent rain and mild daytime temperatures with days reaching up to 20 degrees following an overnight frost.
- 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
- Light rain only in the last seven days for the North Coast with 7mm the maximum recorded.
- Farmers still reporting plenty of green feed for stock following the ongoing rain and mild temperatures in the northern parts.
- 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 north has become increasingly wet with consistent rainfall in the region.
- Majority of new season crops are now in with some growers still seeding wheat when they can get onto paddocks.
- 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. Hay also moving into the New England district to supplement green feed.
- 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
- No rain to report this week for the Valley, much cooler conditions now in the region with recent snowfall in the high country.
- 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
- Rain across the region this week with reports of 25mm falling in the north. A break from the wet conditions would be ideal now.
- Fertiliser going out on new season winter crops and pasture prior to forecast rain again this week. Good rainfall over May and June have help establish good crops for local growers.
- 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
- Dryer conditions this week for Gippsland as growers and farmers in the region continue to recover for storms and flooding earlier this month.
- Traralgon being one of the hardest hit locations by the storm. Farmers receiving hay from the north and the west of the state to aid in the recovery process.
- Up until now trade has been minimal with enquiry from farmers wintering cattle. More ongoing rain and poor weather conditions for stock will see a spike in demand from farmers locally.
- 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 Southwest Victoria is getting increasingly wet from consistent heavy rainfall over the last four weeks.
- 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. Reports that this hay has been 2019 stock which is coming to an end now.
- 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
- Only light rainfall this week for the Southeast.
- 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 continues for beef and sheep farmers who will continue to feed out now until grass returns in the spring. Trade has been retained locally to support the demand.
- 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 have recorded 30 – 40mm this week. Growers reporting up to 80mm of rain now for the month of June. New season crops benefitting from better conditions but cooler and windy weather keeping growth in check.
- 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
- Up to 10mm of rain fell across the Southwest this week. Reports from many growers that it is the best season to date in a number of years.
- Growers are applying nitrogen and some early weed control to crops that already have good height. The season continues to be on track and discussion around good yields are already being reported. 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
- Rain in the last seven days for the Northwest with up to 20mm being recorded. Conditions had been mild in the region up until the recent rain events.
- New season crops responding now with rain. Growers will not be able to get back onto paddocks now until August.
- Plenty of fodder available in the region following a good season.
- Steady amounts of trade of cereal and pasture hay as well as silage at present, growers predicating this to increase over July and August.
- 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.