Hay Report – 26 February 2021

National Commentary

• It will be crucial that rain continues to fall at the right time for growers this year. Despite the summer rain in many parts conditions can quickly become dry again.
• Domestic hay sales are still not expected to increase for some time. High cattle prices, green feed from summer rain and farmers with good on farm fodder stores are all factors that continue to keep trade well down.
• Concerns over mice plagues through New South Wales and now larger numbers being recorded in Northern Victoria. It has been reported that mice have also caused significant damage to corn crops in some parts of New South Wales. Spraying has also taken place in western New South Wales to contain locust outbreaks.
• Many growers have been racing over the last month to secure their fertiliser needs. With AP products and urea continuing to rapidly increase in price over the last month due to a predicted global shortage. Some parts of the Northern Hemisphere have experienced extreme cold conditions. China halted production so power resources could be focused on heating homes.
• We caution buyers and recommend feed-testing and viewing fodder before purchasing to be sure of 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 growers are enjoying the rain but have struggled to get summer crops in the ground.
• 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

• Lucerne continues to be cut but quality still down following wet conditions.
• 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

• There is no demand at present. Some hay that hasn’t made the export grade will sell domestically.
• 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. Exporters looking to the west after a very wet spring damaged new season hay through Central South Australia.
• After a dry start to the season Western Australia finished well.
• Good rain that came late in the season was ideal for many parts finishing off crops.
• Prices remain strong for all fodder types in WA.

Regional Commentary

Atherton Tablelands

• Up to 37mm of rain has fallen across the Mareeba area in the last seven days.
• Conditions continue to make it difficult for growers wanting to bale hay. Not enough dry days between storms to complete the process.
• Grass is plentiful in the area following the ongoing rain.
• Fall Armyworm continues to be a large problem for the region with its ability to cause detrimental damage to corn corps. Its resistance to existing chemicals requires growers to spray multiple times with new costly alternatives.
• Trade continues to be down in the region.
• 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 St George area received 10mm of this week. Other parts of the Downs receiving 5mm or less.
• Maize crops are being cut for silage, down on previous seasons due to a decrease in demand. Growers are offering standing summer crops of millet and sorghum but the inquiry for these is low.
• Summer rainfall is setting growers up for a good autumn seeding season. Consistent falls needed over the coming months to keep this on track.
• High cattle prices, farmers not restocking and good summer grass are all impacting factors on trade.
• Demand continues to be a record low for the region. There has been demand for some lucerne locally.
• 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

• The North Coast has recorded up to 100mm in the last seven days. For the month of February, the region has received 240mm.
• Growers had been baling grass and millet for silage prior to this week’s rain. Down on previous years due to the low demand.
• Quality grazing feed following the wet conditions continues to support grazing stock.
• Minimal amounts of hay have been moving locally.
• Depleted stock numbers in the region continue to impact demand.
• Cereal hay, straw, and lucerne prices quoted are for supplies to be carted into the region.
• No changes to prices this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($250 to $300/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($400 to $450/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 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 in the Central West.
• Growers have been able to get back into baling lucerne and teff grass the last fortnight with dryer conditions. Quality had been impacted by the rain.
• Reports farmers are now utilising their lucerne crops to fatten lamps. Milder conditions will mean lucerne cutting won’t go past the end of March.
• Plenty of feed in the region continues to have an impact on demand.
• Growers and farmers continue to bait mice to keep them under control around shedding and paddocks. Rain has slowed them down and they also struggle to get internally into the tight bales.
• The market continues to be very slow.
• No changes to prices this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($220 to $240/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($350 to $450/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

• Light rainfalls recorded again this week across the valley. Bega has recorded up to 40mm for the month of February.
• Growers are concentrating on kikuyu grass and keeping summer weeds down.
• Small amount of quality cereal hay coming into the valley for dairy farmers who have pre-ordered.
• Farmers are doing well in comparison to twelve months ago with plenty of silage stores and summer grass. Summer rain continues to setup growers for the coming season.
• Demand remains quiet in the Bega Valley.
• No changes to prices this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($300 to $350/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($600 to $650/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 recorded in the last week for the Goulburn Murray Valley.
• Graziers in the area continue to be supported by summer grasses and good on farm hay stores.
• Growers have started with lime and gypsum application programs in preparation for autumn cropping.
• Summer weeds continue to be an issue in the area following the summer rainfall. Growers are working to get these under control.
• Summer crops continue to do well in the region following wet conditions. Corn is starting to be cut for silage.
• Demand continues to be well down.
• 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 recorded this week for Gippsland. The region has recorded less than 15mm in the last month.
• The region has dried out, rain needed now to boost grazing pastures.
• Maize silage plantings down on previous years as farmers have significant stores of grass silage.
• With a milder summer it will be the end of March before maize crops can be chopped for silage. Current conditions are ideal for chopping.
• Growers have stored majority of last season’s hay and will continue to store until trade increases.
• 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

• Light showers recorded in the far south this week, no rain to report in the north.
• Ongoing rain needed to keep this feed going, if it was to become dry feed could quickly burn off putting pressure on local farmers.
• Varied qualities of cereal and vetch hay on the market.
• Regular trade continues into the area of cereal and vetch for pre-committed clients.
• No changes to pricing this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($170 to $230/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

• No rain recorded this week in Southeast South Australia.
• Varied qualities of new season cereal hay on the market.
• Straw bailing has now finished in the region. It has been a good season for straw with demand from mushroom farms, feedlots and for pellet manufacturing.
• Summer feed has now burnt off in the area.
• Hay drives of donated hay continue to move into the Lucindale region following the fires to support local farmers.
• Depending on ongoing conditions in western Queensland there may be demand there that could be filled from Southeast South Australia.
• Domestic demand continues to be down.
• No changes in pricing this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($220 to $250/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

• No rain to report for the Central South this week.
• Reports that December and January were some of the windiest months on record for the region.
• Straw season is coming to end, it has been ideal conditions this year for baling straw.
• Local farmers feed situation is still good.
• Local domestic demand continues to be down.
• 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

• Southwest Western Australia has had a dry fortnight.
• Rain would be welcome in the region now in anticipation for the coming cropping season.
• A small amount of cereal hay moving to domestic clients on the coast from the Lake Grace region.
• Cereal hay quality was excellent in most areas.
• Domestic demand continues to be slow.
• 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

• No significant rain to report this week.
• The mild conditions have continued to make it hard to bale lucerne, growth has slowed right down. Maximum temperatures not getting above 20 degrees this past week.
• There is a big variance in quality with earlier hay impacted by weather, more recent hay has been able to be baled without any damage.
• Paddock feed following the recent rain continues to provide good grazing.
• Steady trade for new season fodder, majority going to dairy farmers.
• 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.