Hay Report

National Summary

National background comments: report for the week ending 12 February 2021.

The next update will be on Friday 26 February 2021. Direct links to reports on each dairy region immediately follow this national summary for hay.

Over this past week, many regions across Australia experienced thunderstorm conditions. Many growers are hopeful for continued rain in time for autumn seeding.

Domestic demand for hay remains subdued among most regions, while some farmers have sufficient stored fodder and cattle prices are increased.

Hay from the central South Australian region has been sending hay bales into the Northern Territory. Hay production is wrapping up in the state and will potentially reduce the amount of hay transported from central South Australia into the Northern Territory.

There is growing demand among growers for fertiliser, with fertilisers such as urea rapidly increasing in price, some growers are looking to secure fertiliser at the current prices. There are reports fertiliser prices will continue to rise as global demand for grain remains strong.

We caution buyers and recommend feed-testing and viewing fodder before purchasing to be sure of quality of the feed.

State Summaries

Northern Australia - Summary

• In the Atherton Tablelands, demand remains steady with limited trade occurring in northern Australia.
• Recent rain received throughout Queensland, particularly in western Queensland, has continued to support pasture growth. However, in regions such as the Darling Downs, the rain has interrupted summer crop planting.
• Compared to previous years, the amount of hay made this season is significantly reduced.
• Fall Armyworm continues in the region, with report of it moving through the region as far south as Bega.
• There are reports of some areas continuing to operate at a low stock capacity.

Southern Australia - Summary

• While there are reports of large crop yields from southern Australia this season, lucerne continues to be cut. However, wet hay making conditions in New South Wales and Victoria has potentially impacted hay quality.
• With the hay making season is complete in central South Australia and into the Mallee region, there are reports of significantly weather damaged hay after continuous summer rainfall. Some growers through the region are suffering damages from mice getting into stored hay.
• Straw continues to be baled in South Australia for contracts from the mushroom sector, chicken farms and feedlots.
• Demand still expected to remain reduced for some time.
• Hay quality varies throughout the depending on the severity of weather damage.

Western Australia - Summary

• In Western Australia, there is very little demand. Most of this demand originates from the export market, seeking good quality hay unimpeded by weather. There are reports of lower quality hay made in Western Australia unable make the export market, being sold domestically.
• The region has been experiencing relatively dry weather conditions recently, with bushfires occurring in the south west Western Australia region.
• Prices remain strong for all fodder types in WA.

Price change in table below reflects moves since previous report (05 February 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.