Hay Report November 2020

National Commentary

• The end of October has been wet with many parts of NSW, Victoria and SA receive rain over the this period.
• Central SA and the Mallee in Victoria have already had hay damaged from rainfall over the last fortnight. There will be varying degrees of damage, nothing significant at this stage but with the predicted rain to come growers are concerned.
• Growers who traditionally produce 50% hay and 50% grain in Southern Australia are now considering pushing as much through to grain as they can. With the reports of a wetter than average spring still and low hay prices the risk is too high for some.
• Prices continue to be unchanged, there is still very little demand across all states. New season prices are thought to settle by mid to late October as more areas start production. There is still a significant amount of nervousness from growers about pricing and at this stage with the lack of demand nothing has been set.
• Dairy farmers in Gippsland and Southwest Victoria are wanting to secure good quality new season vetch and cereal hay. They are looking to contractors and traders to source a good product and terms for the next twelve months.
• Boarder closures and permit requirements continue to be a concern for contractors as the 100km bubble does not allow them to reach all clients.
• We caution buyers and recommend feed-testing and viewing fodder before purchasing to be sure of quality of the feed.

Central West NSW

• Central West has become wet again over the last fortnight. More rain is forecast for the coming week.
• There are reports that growers are aerial spraying for rust.
• With rain forecast many are waiting for this to pass before more cereal hay is cut.
• Crops are early with oaten hay traditionally not being made till early November.
• There is expected to be a significant amount of new season hay made in the area.
• Reports that teff grass will soon be planted before conditions become too warm.
• Lucerne hay is in demand, inquiry mainly from produce stores. Next cut of lucerne is two to three weeks away.
• Minimal demand and no major inquiry for new season fodder.
• No change to prices this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($310 to $350/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($500 to $700/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.