Hay Report – 26 March 2021

National Commentary

• This week saw a slow moving, intense rain system travel down the eastern side of Australia. Many parts of Queensland and New South Wales have experienced flooding. Farms in New South Wales have been severely impacted losing feed and livestock.
• Exact damage and needs of these farmers won’t be known until the water has receded enough for them to inspect properties. Loads of donated hay are already being co-ordinated to support these farmers.
• Domestic hay sales are still not expected to increase for some time. Many farmers reporting that they have good on farm stores of hay and silage that will see them through the cooler months at this stage.
• With a good autumn break now reaching the majority of the eastern side of Australia growers are now planning new seasons plantings. Many taking into consideration the minimal trade of fodder.
• Concerns over mice plagues continue through Central New South Wales. The recent rain has helped eased numbers and cooler weather will also have an impact.
• 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

• 14mm of rain recorded at Atherton, closer to the coast received 60 – 100mm.
• Forecast for significant rainfall has meant growers have held off with trying to make hay, many were caught earlier in the month with hay down and wet conditions.
• Plenty of paddock feed for stock following the summer rain. Some standing feed that hasn’t been grazed is starting to go off.
• Harvesting of maize in the area for silage is getting underway, down on previous years due to the damage from the Fall Armyworm.
• Growers continue to battle Fall Armyworm in young corn and grass crops. Spraying is working and crops are recovering. Once to a height of at least five feet the worm is no longer interested.
• Trade continues to be down in the region. Small amounts of cattle weaning have begun in the area but with the market still strong some weaners are going straight to market.
• 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

• More significant widespread rainfall has been recorded this week for the Darling Downs, with areas recording 160mm.
• Reports of localised flooding which is affecting any summer crops that were yet to be harvested.
• Good rain providing the autumn break growers in the region needed. New season cropping not due to commence for another 4 – 6 weeks, some growers may take advantage and plant early oats.
• Trade not expected to increase hugely from the wet. Further west with recent rain and warm soil conditions will see grasses flourish now.
• 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.
• 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 1600mm for the year to date.
• Previous years dated with the similar rainfall and flooding were 2001 and 2009. Coffs Harbour and Dorrigo have coped with the rainfall and not had the significant damage caused by flooding as seen further south.
• Growers have not been able to make hay for a number of weeks now due to the wet conditions. Many growers still have hay stored from last season, no shortage concerns.
• Quality grazing feed following the wet conditions continues to support grazing stock. Not enough stock in the area to eat all the feed.
• Minimal amounts of hay have been moving locally. Requests coming in for hay donations to help flood victims. Exact damage and needs by primarily dairy farmers further down the coast won’t be known for at least another week.
• 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

• 80mm of rain this week for the Central West, 130mm recorded for the last fortnight.
• Following the good autumn break many growers will opt to plant grazing cereal crops. Winter cropping is still four weeks away from starting.
• Growers currently assessing new season plantings and if they will reduce the amount of cropping for hay.
• Reports that lucerne could be in higher demand in the coming months from farmers needing more protein due to good quality cereal hay being in short supply following the wet spring.
• Growers and farmers continue to bait mice to keep them under control after building to plague proportions. Recent rain is thought to slow numbers down.
• 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

• Bega Valley recorded 180 – 200mm over the last seven days.
• The Bega region was not hit as hard as northern parts of the coast. Water systems are up but excess water has been able to flow out to sea. Minor flooding from the Bega River.
• Small amount of quality cereal hay coming into the valley for dairy farmers who have pre-ordered.
• Summer rain continues to setup growers for the coming season.
• Good stores of on farm fodder are giving farmers confidence as they head into the milder months.
• 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

• 50 – 110mm was recorded this past week across the Goulburn Murray Valley.
• Lime and gypsum still to go once the growers and farmers can back on paddocks.
• The autumn break will mean growers can continue to work towards an on-time winter seeding schedule. The area had started to dry out prior to past weeks good rainfall.
• Milder and wet conditions have made it difficult for growers to finish harvesting maize.
• 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

• South Gippsland recorded 16mm, in the north Yarram received 210mm and Sale 180mm.
• The south has dried out significantly.
• Growers in the south have been levelling and repairing paddocks following the wet conditions last year.
• Growers will start over sowing/direct drilling grass with rye.
• The dryer conditions are not alarming farmers at present due to the large amount of silage and pasture hay made last season.
• Small amounts of hay coming into east Gippsland filling pre-contracted orders.
• 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

• 20mm of rain recorded in Southwest Victoria this week.
• The area is still doing well and like many parts are going into the cooler season now with good hay and silage stores.
• In past seasons farmers would have been feeding silage to stock prior to Christmas, this year farmers have only just started.
• Grass has started to be seeded in the area.
• Small amount of trade of pre-committed vetch and cereal hay coming into the region mainly to dairy farmers.
• 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 to report this week for Southeast South Australia.
• Growers now planning for the new season. Some will consider producing less hay this season due to the continued slow trade and still carrying majority of last season’s hay.
• Local demand continues to be down. Southwest Victoria is having a good season, small amounts of inquiry are starting to come for lucerne and vetch.
• Growers will hold firm on the current pricing as they can’t afford for it to reduce any further.
• 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 Central South Australia this week. The last rain was approximately three weeks ago and was less than 15mm.
• It has been a mild summer for Central South Australia, growers aren’t concerned that a break hasn’t come yet there is still time.
• Growers now working towards to new season plantings. Consideration like many areas to reduce the amount of hay grown this year due to the slow trade and export concerns.
• Local farmers feed situation is still good.
• Local and interstate 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

• No rain to report in west for the last week.
• Continued good rain needed to provide an autumn break for growers. Current conditions are better than twelve months ago.
• Domestic trade continues to be minimal in the region.
• Cereal hay quality was excellent in most areas.
• Majority of new season hay has now been absorbed by the export market after a good end to the 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

• 20 – 30mm of rain has fallen across the region this week. There is some localised flooding.
• Over the last six to eight weeks the Northwest had become dry.
• The hay season has now come to an end in the Northwest.
• The autumn break is good timing now for growers.
• The last of the lucerne is being cut now, some growers have made it into silage rather than hay due to the slow drying time.
• A large amount of barley and wheaten straw has been moving in the region, mainly into dairy farms for the cooler months.
• 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.