Hay Report

National Summary

National background comments: report for the week ending 14 January 2022.

The next update will be on Friday 21 January 2022. Direct links to reports on each dairy region immediately follow this national summary for hay. 

Driving Prices Up

• Continued wet weather across much of the eastern states has affected hay production, particularly in NSW.
• Good quality cereal hay is reportedly in short supply, and is expected to be in high demand over the coming months.
• Rising production costs such as fuel, chemicals and fertilisers are all factors being considered by growers for 2022 business decisions.
• High cattle prices and the potential impact on fodder needs are being monitored.

Driving Prices Down

• Good pasture availability from summer rain will continue to keep fodder trade limited.
• Summer rain has impacted the quality of available fodder from most states.
• The latest Drought Statement from the Bureau of Meteorology has declared no formal drought conditions are currently being monitored following record rainfall in November.

Local News

• Trade continues to be limited in most regions.
• In the north, ex-tropical cyclones Tiffany and Seth have delivered rain in the Atherton Tablelands and the Darling Downs.
• Disaster assistance for those affected by flooding associated with ex-Tropical Cyclone Seth in some Queensland local government areas is available.
• Rain throughout New South Wales has seen challenging conditions for hay production.
• In southwest Victoria, the dry start to the year continues, but with reasonable soil moisture profiles, late summer plantings are occurring in some areas.
• South Australia and Tasmania are looking for rain after a dry start to 2022.
• The Australian Plague Locust Commission is keeping a close eye on locust numbers through the southwest of NSW after recent monitoring found high numbers of adults around Jerilderie and Deniliquin.
• CSIRO predicts that a repeat of the mice plague that was in Central West NSW in 2021 is unlikely, however, farmers in other parts of the nation, such as the Mallee in both Victoria and South Australia should remain vigilant.

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

Price change in table below reflects moves since previous report (07 January 2022)

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.