Hay Report

National Summary

National background comments: report for the week ending 7 May 2021.

The next update will be on Friday 21 May 2021. Direct links to reports on each dairy region immediately follow this national summary for hay.

There were varying levels of rain received in parts of Queensland, New South Wales, and Victoria. In the Mallee and Wimmera regions of Victoria, and throughout some parts of South Australia, conditions remain relatively dry. There are reports of some growers sowing crops dry, while others have held off.

April was one of the driest months on record for southern Australia, however, weather forecasts suggest the area may receive some rain over the coming months. Farmers in South Australia continue to feed out to stock during the drier conditions.

Decisions regarding cropping rotations this season are being impacted by factors including current grain values, especially canola, the amount of fodder still stored on farm, and 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 paddock feed returns. Support of extra feed will still be required for several weeks yet.

Mice continue to cause 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 sowing. Many will spread bait on paddocks to prevent as much loss as possible of grain. Western Australia are now being impacted by breeding locusts, which may see damage to newly germinated crops

Buyers are encouraged to feed test and view fodder before purchasing to be sure of the quality of the feed.

State Summaries

Northern Australia - Summary

• Demand in the Atherton Tablelands remains steady with a small amount moving locally.
• Rainfall in Queensland, particularly around the Atherton Tableland area, has supported pasture growth for grazing.
• The Fall Armyworm continues to be a problem in the northern Australia regions.
• There have been reports of a significant reduction in hay being made in the area this past season. Moving into the winter cropping season, many analysts anticipate hay production may be reduced while demand remains subdued.

Southern Australia - Summary

• Local sources suggest a good autumn break has been received through New South Wales and Northern Victoria now, with many growers starting seeding.
• Gowers in New South Wales are continuing to manage the mice plague.
• Continuous summer rainfall has brought on many weeds that growers are now having to get on top of before the new cropping season.
• 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 depending on the severity of weather damage.

Western Australia - Summary

• Reports suggest most hay has been moving domestically due to recent trade issues with China. There are reports of ongoing uncertainty for new season hay production due to current trading concerns.
• The export industry continues to dominate the WA market, as exporters continue to seek out quality hay.
• Many properties in the region are still looking for a supportive autumn break.
• Prices remain strong for all fodder types in WA.

Price change in table below reflects moves since previous report (30 April 2021)

All Location Hay Prices

About the Hay Report

Why the hay report is created

Farmers, government, industry advocacy and businesses across the supply chain require independently produced, unbiased data on the industry to inform strategic decisions and policy formation.

Hay reports provide an independent industry view, bringing together key data and insights across the supply chain and industry without any vested interest.

The hay report is created using data provided by the Australian Fodder Industry Association (AFIA).

Interpreting the reports

Hay prices are based on shedded hay without weather damage, of good quality and colour. There is a wide variation in quality for hay, so prices are indicative for a mid-range product.

Prices are estimates based on delivery to dairy farms with allowance for freight, storage, and marketing costs, but exclusive of GST. Actual prices may vary for quality or other reasons.

In this video, dairy farm manager Brian Corr explains how Dairy Australia's hay and grain email updates help him make more informed decisions on-farm.