NATIONAL SUMMARY
Driving Prices Up
- Demand has lifted in Gippsland and Southwest Victoria due to the recent wet and cold conditions, with enquiries coming in for cereal and pasture hay to carry stock through till the end of August as a minimum.
- Enquiries from the equine industry have increased as more events return following a reduced 18 months due to COVID restrictions.
- A shortage of good quality cereal hay is being reported as growers stores have been drained of any remaining 2019 hay and undamaged past seasons has also started to move over the last month and is expected to be depleted.
Driving Prices Down
- Many farmers continue to work through conserved on farm stores eliminating a need to buy a significant amount of feed.
- High cattle prices continue to impact demand as many areas in Queensland and New South Wales have destocked significantly and are in the process of increasing numbers again through breeding.
- Good conditions across most parts of Australia continue to impact trade as farmers have had good paddock feed for up to 8 – 10 months of year in comparison to previous years of severe ongoing drought continues.
Local News
- Most areas are now reporting that new season crops are up and looking good with some regions stating it’s the best start in a long time.
- Rain continues to fall in many parts of Australia bringing wet conditions. New South Wales and Victoria in particular the south will only need minimal amounts now.
- Reports the Gippsland storm and flood recovery is being aided by the Bushfire Relief who will initially start by assisting those including farmers that still have damage that needs removing.
- Buyers are encouraged to feed test and view fodder before purchasing to be sure of the quality of the feed.
- In the north 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 reporting one of the best starts to a season following good rainfall for the first half of the year.
- Southern Australia is again on track for a good season with timely rain, most regions are reporting good growth. Several key factors still needed to take place and a relatively dry spring to improve on last year’s season.
- Western Australia recorded one of its best season breaks. Rain has continued to fall at the right times with high yielding crops already being discussed. Hay moving domestically due to recent trade issues with China. Prices remain strong for all fodder types in WA.
Regional Commentary
Atherton Tablelands
- Mareeba has been much dryer over the last month than Atherton giving growers more opportunities to make hay.
- Silage harvest is complete for now with many farmers now turning their attention to harvesting other commodities.
- Trade continues to be minimal in the region with most farmers able to feed stock with paddock feed that continues to grow across the region as well as conserved silage stores.
- 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
- St George area received only 4mm of rain after a forecast for a much larger front was predicted. More rain forecast in the coming days
- Growers planting oats in the region with the forecast of rain. Those that didn’t receive as much have had to irrigate to get crops germinating.
- In general, the Downs is having a good season. Irrigators have water available and dry land farmers have received better than average rainfall thus far.
- Trade is steady with growers supplying hay to farmers weaning cattle. Plenty of dry grazing feed remains due to farmers carrying less stock. Demand for small lucerne squares has increased primarily from the equine industry as more events return.
- No changes to prices this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($280 to $300/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
- No significant rain to report this week for the Lismore area. Rain not needed at present as paddocks have started to become wet following heavy rainfall at the end of June and start of July.
- Fertiliser applications going out on ryegrass and cereal crops. With no frosts across some parts of the North Coast and days reaching 18 – 20 degrees summer grasses have been spotted germinating.
- Enquiry from farmers looking for good roughage to supplement paddock feed and carry stock through while paddocks are wet. Reports of high protein fodder still coming onto the coast from southern parts while prices are reasonable. Good quality cereal hay for dairy farmers freighting in from north-eastern New South Wales.
- 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
- Price changes to cereal hay this week.
- Cereal hay: +$25 ($250 to $300/t). Prices have increased 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
- Light rain this week for the Central West. Conditions have been cold, and several frosts recorded over the last seven days.
- New season crops are doing well in the region despite some wet conditions in the north where paddocks are reportedly holding water.
- Concern’s mice will be an issue in the spring as they are still able to find shelter in many places not just in paddocks and shedding.
- Enquiries from local farmers with sheep and cattle looking for good quality cereal hay. Demand from the equine industry is starting to increase and dairy farmers continue to seek out good quality fodder from the region.
- https://www.nsw.gov.au/initiative/mouse-control-support-program
- https://www.nsw.gov.au/media-releases/50-million-support-package-to-help-regional-communities-combat-mouse-plague
- No changes to pricing this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($170 to $200/t). Prices remain steady this week.
- Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($330 to $380/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
- Dry and mild conditions again this week which has been ideal for the region.
- Farmers are wanting to cut excess grass and spread fertiliser, but conditions are making it difficult with paddocks too wet following significant rainfall over the last two months.
- An extended wet and cold winter could see a demand for cereal hay and straw increase to carry stock through. Farmers have only had to feed out minimal silage staring in early June when the grass slowed but recent conditions have seen growth already improve again.
- Consistent small amounts of cereal hay coming onto the coast for dairy farmers with springing cattle.
- No changes to prices this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($290 to $320/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
- Significantly cold week for the Goulburn Murray Valley with light rain continuing to make conditions difficult. A break from the wet conditions is needed now.
- Growers are unable to get on paddocks now following significant rain. Many were able to fertilise early on, depending on conditions some more opt to utilise plans for further applications.
- Small amounts of good quality lucerne continue to move into New South Wales primarily the North Coast. Trade of lucerne expected to continue as farmers actively source a good high protein product.
- Growers reporting good growth in crops but will need to spray to control flea and possible rust and red legs.
- No change to prices this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($180 to $200/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
- Light rain for the Yarram area with 6mm being recorded. Gippsland is significantly saturated, and reports of water laying across paddocks still following storms four weeks ago.
- Large quantities of fodder being feed out to stock due to the wet and cold conditions. Farmers on lower country feedlotting or sacrificing paddocks to feed out on.
- Pastures are struggling from water logging and are need of warmer days and fertiliser. Fertiliser is starting to spread with the use of helicopters.
- The region continues to recover from storm and flood damage. Many making enquiries to secure feed for the remainder of winter. A variety of feed moving into Gippsland including cereal hay from northern New South Wales due to the shortage of good quality cereals in many parts following a wet 2020 spring.
- www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/floods
- Price changes to pasture hay this week.
- Cereal hay: +/- ($250 to $290/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: -$10 ($90 to $110/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.
Southwest Victoria
- Up to 10mm of rain feel this week in the south. Conditions have become wet and the last seven days significantly cold.
- Traditional movement of cereal and vetch hay coming into the south from the Mallee for primarily dairy farmers as well some beef. Good quality feed from this area is expected to be exhausted soon.
- Significant amount of fodder is being feed out in the region now. With increase on local trade of pasture hay from growers. Some farmers preferring to secure pasture rather than risk weather damaged cereal hay.
- Farmers will have another at least another six weeks of feeding stock until grasses are able to be grazed. If conditions stay wet this will be pushed out further.
- 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
- Despite the dry start the small amounts of rain that fell across the Southeast have totalled to 60mm for the month of June with better falls towards the end.
- Recent rain has improved the outlook for growers in the region. More rain needed in late winter and into early spring for crops to finish.
- Local movement of hay will be ongoing for beef and sheep farmers who continue to feed out now until grass returns in the spring. Local growers continue to meet the enquiries for feed in region.
- 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
- The Central South recorded 12mm of rain in the last seven days. No significant frosts for the region.
- Growers now working on spraying programs for new season crops. Crops are reported to be good despite the late start and are steadily growing.
- Growers have significantly reduced cereal hay plantings across the region due to concerns over export opportunities.
- Straw moving locally for feedlots as well as for sheep farmers north of Renmark. Majority of good quality vetch has been traded and cereal hay is moving to farmers who still need to feed stock for the next four weeks until there is viable feed.
- 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
- Parts of the Southwest recorded up to 25mm of rain this week.
- Growers continue to apply liquid nitrogen and urea prior to rain events. The season is still on track to do well.
- Minimal domestic trade at present with small amounts of cereal and straw being taken up by cattle farmers.
- With a significant reduction in cereal hay plantings in the west it will be timely to see what is produced this spring and if domestic demands can be meet.
- 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
- Cold and wet conditions for the Northwest with the region recording up to 22mm thus far for the month of July.
- Growers will not be able to get back onto paddocks now until August to fertilise crops or complete any plantings that were missed in the autumn.
- Trade increasing with colder conditions of cereal and pasture hay as well as silage. Farmers needing extra feed now for stock as many are having to rest paddocks with wet conditions. Many growers will sell out of cereal by the end of winter.
- No change to pricing this week.
- Cereal hay: +/-0 ($200 to $250/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 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. We recommend feed testing and viewing of fodder before purchase to be sure of the quality of feed.