Hay Report – 30 April 2021

National Commentary

• New season cropping is now underway in some parts of New South Wales, Victoria and South Australia. Some growers that haven’t seen the autumn break yet in the west of Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia have still taken the risk and have started dry seeding.
• Cropping rotations this year are being impacted by the good price of grains especially canola. The amount of fodder still stored on farm as well as trade concerns with China. Production of new season hay could be well down this year across the country despite the need for good quality cereal hay following a wet 2020 spring.
• Dry conditions through South Australia have meant many farmers are already feeding stock and working through on farm stores of fodder. If conditions stay dry an increase in demand will be seen across this region.
• Fodder continues to be freighted into flood affected areas of New South Wales. It will be six to eight weeks before these areas will have feed on paddocks again.
• Mice continue to cause significant damage to summer crops in Queensland as well as hay stores in Central New South Wales. They are now being reported in Southern New South Wales and Victoria by growers who have started seeding. Many will spread bait on paddocks to prevent as much loss as possible of grain.
• 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.
• Seeding of new season crops has started, growers need follow up rain for germination.
• 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

• No significant rain recorded this week.
• Conditions have been difficult for growers trying to make hay this season. Growers have been left with rank crops that haven’t been able to be cut as well as weather damaged hay that will primarily go for mulch now.
• Harvesting of maize in the area for silage despite the dryer week is still slow due to wet paddocks.
• 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 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

• No rain recorded this week for the Darling Downs.
• A good season for the area with moisture levels returned and water levels back up for bores.
• Mice are causing extensive damage to summer crops including maize and soybeans. Growers have been air baiting into paddocks to try and slow numbers down. Mice will continue to be an issue until the feed source is removed from paddocks and cooler weather sets in.
• Some growers have taken advantage of the good moisture and planted early oat crops. New season cropping will take place over May and June.
• Trade in the area continues to be at an all-time low.
• Stock numbers are still down in the region which continues to impact 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 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 rainfall on the North Coast this week, with parts receiving up to 10mm.
• Green feed not growing as quickly now with cooler nights.
• 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.
• Farmers that can store fodder on farm are sourcing out quality affordable hay.
• 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
• 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

• No rain to report this week.
• Seeding of new season crops has started growers needing follow up rain now to assist with the germination. Many growers spreading bait for mice straight after planting.
• 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.
• Small amounts of trade occurring onto the central coast still to farmers primarily dairy farmers needing hay to carry stock through until feed has improved following flooding.
• A shortage of good quality cereal hay in the region following wet hay making conditions last year and ongoing damage by mice.
• No changes to pricing this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($190 to $220/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 ($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 significant rainfall this week for the Bega Valley.
• Good conditions continue for the Bega region.
• 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 fodder and feed due to the weather damaged cereal hay that is on the market.
• Demand remains quiet locally.
• No changes to pricing this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($300 to $340/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

• No rain recorded this week, rain is forecast for the start of May.
• New season cropping has started in the region, growers do need more rain now as the topsoil levels of paddocks start to dry out.
• 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 has gone out this season.
• Small amounts of good quality lucerne have moved into New South Wales primarily the North Coast. Trade of lucerne expected to continue and potentially increase as farmers actively source good quality fodder.
• Significant amount of hay remains stored on farm which is expected to keep demand down locally over the coming months.
• 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

• Parts of western Gippsland received up to 10mm of rain this week.
• Growers continue overseeding of grass with rye in the region.
• Recent rain has improved paddock feed for farmers. Fertiliser continues to go out on pastures prior to forecast rain.
• Farmers still have good fodder stores on farm. Its anticipated demand could spike come July depending on the winter conditions.
• Inquiry from farmers planning for winter months continues. Farmers relucent to purchase and store weather damaged cereal hay. Farmers continue to seek out good quality fodder to meet protein needs over the coming months.
• 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

• Up to 10mm has fallen in the very south this week, northern parts of the Southwest remain dry.
• Grass continues to be seeded in the south.
• The Warrnambool area continues to have a good season. While the Mallee and Wimmera are still significantly dry and need a break now to get new season seeding underway.
• Farmers with storage continue to seek out good quality hay, taking advantage of low prices.
• Stock numbers are still good in the region compared to further north where numbers have reduced due to the dry and high market prices.
• Varied qualities of hay on the market in the Southwest. Trade expected to increase as the weather becomes cooler and feed slows down.
• 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

• Dry conditions continue for Southeast South Australia.
• A small amount of moisture had allowed some germination for growers to get in and spray and start new season cropping.
• Rain is needed now to keep the new season progressing as the soil is quickly drying out.
• Some growers will consider producing less hay this season due to the continued slow trade and still carrying majority of last season’s hay.
• Farmers starting to utilise stored hay to feed stock. If conditions continue to stay dry it is thought demand will increase locally.
• Inquiry for lucerne and other high protein fodder.
• 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

• It remains dry in Central South Australia, conditions this week have been much cooler with some parts even reporting a frost this week.
• Growers still waiting for an autumn break, there has been some dry seeding in the region.
• Rain needed across the Central South now, cropping options reducing as the season becomes later.
• Smaller growers at this stage look to cut back hay plantings this season due to the instability of trade with China.
• Inquiry from farmers planning for winter stock feeding as many are already feeding out due to the ongoing dry conditions across region. Inquiry for high protein fodder to carry young stock through.
• If it continues to stay dry domestic demand will continue to increase for local growers.
• Price changes this week to cereal and lucerne hay.
• Cereal hay: -$20 ($190 to $220/t). Prices have eased this week.
• Lucerne hay: -$15 ($400 to $450/t). Prices have eased 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

• Coastal regions of Western Australia including the Margaret River region received rain earlier in April but further inland into the central wheatbelt are yet to receive an autumn break.
• Good widespread rainfall is needed now for growers who are wanting to start new season cropping and for those that have opted to seed some crops dry.
• An increase in domestic trade has continued while export to China remains on hold. Growers continue to take the opportunity to sell stores domestically.
• Farmers aware that more good quality cereal hay could come onto the domestic market in the coming months.
• 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.
• Price changes this week to cereal hay.
• Cereal hay: -$15 ($280 to $320/t). Prices have eased 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 for the Northwest.
• Dryer conditions this week have enabled growers to get onto paddocks to continue with seeding grass.
• Still good green feed for grazing stock.
• Plenty of fodder available in the region following a good season.
• Inquiry expected to increase as conditions become much milder now and more rain forecast for the coming week.
• Price changes this week to cereal hay.
• Cereal hay: -$15 ($200 to $220/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.