National Summary
- The first week of spring brings us closer to the next seasons harvest.
- Frosts were reported this week in Bega, and Gippsland. Light rains were recorded in north coast NSW, central west NSW, Goulburn Valley, Gippsland, southwest Victoria, southeast South Australia, central west South Australia, Tasmania and southwest Western Australia.
- We are seeing the last of the first cut of the season in the Atherton Tablelands, while the Darling Downs, southwest Victoria and central South Australia have recently started to cut and bale some crops. It is anticipated that the Goulburn Valley will start cutting and baling in the coming weeks.
- Cereal hay prices have firmed in Gippsland. southwest Victoria and central west South Australia. There have been no price changes noted in north coast NSW, Bega, Goulburn Valley, south east South Australia, Tasmania and Western Australia.
- There is a lot of hay being transported around the country of varying quality. We caution buyers and recommend feed-testing and viewing fodder before purchasing to be sure of quality of feed.
Northern Australia – Summary
- Protein and roughage is becoming difficult to source in the north, alternative feeds such as sorghum stubble and high-moisture corn stubble is being used in the region.
- Alternative fodder supplies such as almond hulls and cottonseed are impacting on the fodder market at present. These alternate food supplies are starting to become more difficult to source and increasingly expensive.
- Securing long term, reliable supplies of quality hay may well be an issue for the north as the year progresses with demand expected to be greater than supply.
- The Government has announced subsidies for transport of fodder, moving livestock and water infrastructure to support eligible farmers in NSW affected by drought. This can be backdated to 1st January 2018. For more information and to apply please visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate-and-emergancies/droughthub.
Southern Australia – Summary
- Rainfall is beginning to moisten soils in some of the region but much more is needed.
- · The Government has announced subsidies for transport of fodder, moving livestock and water infrastructure to support eligible farmers in NSW affected by drought. This can be backdated to 1st January 2018. For more information and to apply please visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate-and-emergancies/droughthub.
- New season hay is selling quickly and there is limited carryover stock from 2016 moving across Victoria, New South Wales, Tasmania and South Australia.
- Demand is exceeding supply in Central West New South Wales and predicted in Northern Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia.
- The demand for cereal hay is strong and is expected to remain. Cereal hay supplies are beginning to deplete.
- Due to high levels of persistent rainfall in spring, we recommend obtaining a mould and yeast test, a feed test, and using a trusted a supplier.
Western Australia – Summary
- There is good growth in Western Australia and the domestic demand for fodder has eased.
- 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 for quality hay.
Regional Commentary
Atherton Tablelands
- it has been a dry sunny week in the Atherton Tablelands.
- There is still hay being made in the Atherton Tablelands. There is little left to be made and it is postulated that this week will be the last of most of cutting.
- Demand remains very high and is coming from all across the eastern states. Supply is largely spoken.
- Prices have firmed this week.
- Pasture hay: +8 ($300 to $400/t). Prices remain steady this week
- Note: Hay in the Atherton Tablelands is traditionally priced at $/bale, so it is important to check bale weights for conversion.
- Due to the shortage of hay in the region, it is cautioned to be wary of the weight of bales, with farmers packing lighter bales for sale.
Darling Downs
- The Darling Downs had a light drizzle on Saturday however this was not enough to wet the soil.
- There is a bit of barley and wheat being cut in the Darling downs and it is anticipated that there will be a lot more being cut and baled next week.
- Demand for fodder remains high in the region. Hay is largely being sourced from South Australia and Victoria. Pasture hay is being sourced from Northern Territory.
- There are no price changes noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($500 to $600/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($440 to $550/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($400 to $450/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-0 ($275 to $375/t) Prices remain steady this week. Northern pasture price ranges are now being reported. Please note, these are different to southern species
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North Coast NSW
- North coast NSW received some light rainfall this week with Lismore recording 8mm and Graftton 9mm.
- The Government has announced subsidies for transport of fodder, moving livestock and water infrastructure to support eligible farmers in NSW affected by drought. This can be backdated to 1st January 2018. For more information and to apply please visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate-and-emergancies/droughthub.
- Crops not on irrigation are currently about three weeks behind an average season. The rain over the week has helped late sewn oats and vetch.
- Demand remains strong in north coast NSW, largely coming from central NSW. Supply is limited. There are some frosted grasses, coastal grasses and cane tops being baled in the region to be used as feed.
- There has been no price change noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($500 to $700/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($500 to $750/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($250 to $350/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-0 ($350 to $450/t). Prices remain steady this week.
Central West NSW
- Central west NSW received some pathis week with Forbes recording 3mm, Cowra 7mm, Dubbo 1mm and Orange 20mm.
- The Government has announced subsidies for transport of fodder, moving livestock and water infrastructure to support eligible farmers in NSW affected by drought. This can be backdated to 1st January 2018. For more information and to apply please visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate-and-emergancies/droughthub.
- The continual patchy rain is helping some parts of the region. Crops in some of the region are showing promise currently looking 4-6 weeks behind.
- Demand is still really strong. Supply is limited. Hay in this region is largely coming from South Australia and Victoria.
- There are no price changes noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($550 to $600/t). Prices have firmed this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($550 to $650/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($350 to $400/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-0 ($400 to $520/t). Prices remain steady this week.
Bega Valley
- Bega received light drizzle on Sunday and Tuesday, only recording 0.2mm. Light frosts were also reported in the region.
- The Government has announced subsidies for transport of fodder, moving livestock and water infrastructure to support eligible farmers in NSW affected by drought. This can be backdated to 1st January 2018. For more information and to apply please visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/climate-and-emergancies/droughthub.
- Bega is in need of some rain. Crops on irrigation are looking ok however water supplies are running low. Growth for crops that are not on irrigation has stagnated and grass is lying dormant.
- Demand for fodder remains strong throughout the region. Hay is being transported into the region from Victoria and South Australia and this is becoming increasingly difficult to source.
- No price change has been noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($480 to $550/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($500 to $650/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($200 to $250/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-0 ($400 to $475/t). Prices remain steady this week.
Goulburn/Murray Valley
- The Goulburn Valley experienced some light rainfall this week with Echuca, Shepparton and Yarrawonga recording 4mm, Benalla 7mm and Kyabram 6mm.
- For the parts of the region that are dry, crops are struggling. There may be some cereal and canola crops cut for silage in the next week.
- Demand remains strong in the region and is largely coming from NSW.
- There has been no price change noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($350 to $500/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($400 to $600/t). Prices remain steady this week
- Straw: +/-0 ($160 to $180/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-0 ($330 to $410/t). Prices remain steady this week.
Gippsland
- Central and east Gippsland received light rainfall this week with Sale recording 7mm, Bairnsdale 5mm and Orbost 3mm. Areas west of this received more rainfall with areas such as Mt Baw Baw recording 36mm. Heavy frosts were also reported in the region.
- The east of Gippsland remains dry and in need of some good rain. Some of those on irrigation have started a late sew and will continue to sew for the next 3-4 weeks.
- Demand for fodder remains high and supply is limited. Most hay coming into the region is coming from western Victoria, the Goulburn Valley and the Mallee.
- It has been reported that there is some vetch available in the area for $450-$60/t.
- Cereal hay prices have firmed this week.
- Cereal hay: +55 ($420 to $550/t). Prices have firmed this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($400 to $500/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($180 to $250/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-0 ($320 to $420/t). Prices remain steady this week.
Southwest Victoria
- Rainfall was reported in southwest Victoria this week with Colac recording 15mm, Warrnambool 8mm and Hamilton 7mm.
- Things have dried out a little over the last couple of weeks and this has impacted crop health. Crops in north of the region are looking to provide below average yield.
- Demand remains high in the region and supply is limited. There is some barley being cut in the region.
- Cereal hay prices have firmed this week.
- Cereal hay: +50 ($300 to $350/t). Prices have firmed this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($330 to $420/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($150 to $180/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-0 ($250 to $300/t). Prices remain steady this week.
Southeast South Australia
- Light rain fell in southeast South Australia this week with Mt Gambier recording 5mm, Naracoorte 3mm, Padthaway 1mm and Keith 2mm.
- The grass is starting to grow in the region. Crops that spread urea over winter are looking promising, those that have not are looking a little stressed.
- Demand remains high in the region, largely coming for NSW. Most of what is being moved is contractual, supply in the region is limited.
- Pasture hay prices have firmed this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($300 to $400/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($400 to $500/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($120 to $150/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +50 ($250 to $350/t). Prices have firmed this week.
Central South Australia
- Patchy rain fell over central South Australia with Kadina recording 3mm, Roseworthy 7mm and Clare 20mm.
- Most crops in the region are looking to be a below average year. There are frosted crops being cut in parts of the region. Some parts of the region will have a cut in about two weeks time, however the yield of these crops is anticipated to be below average.
- Demand for fodder remains strong in the region largely coming from NSW. Supply is limited.
- Cereal hay prices have firmed this week.
- Cereal hay: +100 ($400 to $500/t). Prices have firmed this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($300 to $450/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($120 to $150/t). Prices remain steady this week.
Southwest Western Australia
- Southwest Western Australia received some light rain this week with Bridgetown recording 3mm and Busselton 7mm.
- Crops in the region are looking healthy, growth continues at a slow rate.
- Demand has eased in the region. Most of the fodder being moved in the region is committed with little supply available.
- There is no price change noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-$0 ($180 to $250/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-$0 ($450 to $490). Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($80 to 140/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($80 to $200/t). Prices remain steady this week.
Northwest Tasmania
- Northwest Tasmania received light rainfall this week with Smithton recording 8mm, Devonport 3mm and Launceston 2mm.
- Growth is slow in northwest Tasmania. Crops in the region are looking healthy.
- The demand for fodder remains strong in Northwest Tasmania. Supplies are limited and are difficult to source.
- There are no price changes noted this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($210 to $250/t) Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($300 to $350/t) Prices remain steady this week.
- Straw: +/-0 ($200 to $240/t) Prices remain steady week.
- Pasture hay: +/-$0 ($140 to $200/t) Prices remain steady this week.