NATIONAL SUMMARY
Driving Prices Up
– Mice concerns are already being experienced in the Darling Downs of QLD as growers move quickly to try and bring numbers under control. As farmers continue to seek out good quality hay unaffected by mice. NSW growers reduced hay plantings this year following significant issues with mice at the start of 2021 and preferring to go through to grain as the commodity can be removed off farm quickly.
– Attractive grain prices continue to play a big part in grower’s decisions this year to adapt and take crops through for grain harvest. With reports many still with hay stores that haven’t been traded during the winter.
– Cost of production with many products not available or significantly increased in price, in particular fertiliser due to COVID. Labour shortages continue to impact growers as they race to secure staff for the upcoming harvest with many having to pay increased wages to remain competitive.
– Despite a strong cattle market feedlots are increasing numbers to meet export markets and will need the fodder to support this demand.
Driving Prices Down
– Trade is minimal at present with many now waiting to see what will be available from the new season, with pricing expected not to significantly increase in the short term.
– Good spring conditions will see many farmers producing and conserving as much silage as they can, particularly along the NSW Coast and Victoria.
– All time high cattle prices continue to impact the trade of hay as many farmers are selling stock at weaning and not requiring the extra feed to carry them through.
– Significant amount of weather damaged hay is still on the market now pushing the lower end of pricing further down. Growers are now finding it difficult to move this and will have to carry it over until a shift in demand.
Local News
– Warm and windy conditions across the southern parts of the country for the first week of spring. Many growers looking to the forecasted wet conditions now for the weekend to finish off winter crops.
– Boarder closures and permit requirements continue to be a concern for contractors as we approach the new silage and hay season.
– Many growers have started or are on the verge of cutting for silage with big crops being reported.
– In general crops are doing well across all states with the exception to parts of Central Queensland and Western Victoria who have missed timely rain during the growing season.
– In the north demand in the Atherton Tablelands remains steady with a small amount moving locally. Following the ongoing rainfall in Northern QLD many parts including the Tablelands continue to have 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. Barley crops have started to be cut in the area for hay.
– Southern Australia is again on track for a good season with timely rain, most regions are reporting good growth. Northern Victoria have started to cut silage, with many growers looking to turn these paddocks around for hay with good conditions. 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 continued to fall during August but not the record falls recorded in July. High yields expected through the region as the season continues to progress well. 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.