Hay Report – 7 May 2021

National Commentary

• Good follow up rain this week in parts of Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. The Mallee and Wimmera in Victoria and throughout South Australia remain significantly dry. While some growers have taken the risk to seed crops dry others have held off.
• April was one of the driest months on record for southern Australia but reports the south will receive rain over the coming months. Farmers in South Australia continue to feed out to stock and this will only increase in coming months even if rain does fall across the region.
• 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.
• Conditions for farmers in flood affected areas have improved as paddocks dry out and feed returns. Support of extra feed will still be needed for several weeks yet.
• Minimal trade again this week, demand expected to influx in South Australia if conditions don’t improve.
• 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 across 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. Western Australia are now being impacted by locusts who are also breeding up and can decimate newly germinated crops.
• 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 rain recorded this week for the tablelands.
• Hay making on the tablelands continues to be plagued by ongoing wet conditions. This week growers have started to return to paddocks.
• Weather damaged hay is up on previous years and will be utilised by local avocados growers as mulch.
• Trade continues to be slow in the region. Good widespread rain further west has meant some areas are seeing grass come back.
• 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                                                                   

• Varied rainfall this week with parts of the Downs receiving up to 20mm.
• Mice continue to be a significant problem for growers across the region with summer crops still being harvested. In an attempt to reduce numbers many growers have been baiting from the air into paddocks.
•  New season cropping to take place over the next eight weeks.
• Trade in the area continues to be at an all-time low.
• Cattle farmers in the area are still working with reduced stock numbers and the need to buy in feed at this stage is still minimal.
• 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

• The first week of May has seen up to 60mm fall across the North Coast,
• Plenty of feed in the region for stock following the significant rainfall since the end of 2020.
• Growers have also seeded new season ryegrass. Growers with lower country have had to re-sow some grass due to waterlogging.
• 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

• This week saw good rain fall in the northern parts of the Central West with Orange and Dubbo recording up to 20mm.
• This week’s rain has been ideal for those growers that have been seeding over the last fortnight, giving topsoil a much-needed boost.
• Many growers have been spreading bait for mice during planting or straight after to prevent too much seed loss.
• Significant mice damage to stored hay continues to be reported as numbers peak across the region.
• 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

• Rain pushing out from inland New South Wales this week saw up to 160mm recorded across the region.
• Good conditions continue for the Bega region. Rain has continued to fall at the right time for area, however a wet and cold winter could see a demand for cereal hay and straw increase to carry stock through.
• 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

• Stormy conditions earlier in the week saw varied amounts recorded with some reporting up to 20mm while other parts as little as 3mm.
• New season cropping has started in the region, growers that have been seeding and will continue to seed over the coming months do need more rain now.
• Grass is still growing well in the area and water is also affordable for those wanting to irrigate.
• Small amounts of good quality lucerne continue to move 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

• Rain across Gippsland this week with 20-30mm being recorded.
• Growers continue overseeding of grass with rye in the region. The region is doing well now with recent rain falling at the right time.
• Rain and mild autumn conditions have allowed for feed to continue to grow across the region.
• 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

• Rain fell this week in the south of the region with up to 40mm being recorded.
• Grass continues to be seeded in the south. There is also amble feed for grazing stock in this part of the Southwest following good, continued rainfall.
• The Mallee and Wimmera are still significantly dry and need good rainfall now to support crops that have been dry seeded.
• Farmers with storage continue to seek out good quality hay, taking advantage of low 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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

• This week saw good rain fall across the wheat belt with reports of up to 60mm.
• Much needed rain this week has given a boost to growers seeding new season crops across the region.
• Concerns this week over increased numbers of locusts. Crops that were planted in parts that had rainfall earlier in the season are now being impacted. Emerging new season crops are at risk of being wiped out by the pest. Growers are having to be vigilant and apply chemical when spotted on these crops.
• Farmers aware that more good quality cereal hay could come onto the domestic market in the coming months following ongoing trade issues.
• 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.
• 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

• Up to 10mm of rain was recorded this week in the Northwest.
• New season grasses have been seeded in the region and growers are starting on other plantings now including cereal hay varieties.
• Still good green feed for grazing stock with ongoing rain and mild conditions. Feed will start to slow down as the weather in the Northwest becomes cooler.
• Plenty of fodder available in the region following a good season.
• Inquiry expected to increase as conditions change with winter months.
• No change to pricing this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($200 to $220/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 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.