Hay Report

National Summary

National background comments: report for the week ending 17 September 2021.

The next update will be on Friday 01 October 2021. Direct links to reports on each dairy region immediately follow this national summary for hay. 

Driving Prices Up

• Lucerne continues to be the most sold fodder type across eastern Australia. A wet 2020 summer in central New South Wales reportedly produced good quality dryland lucerne. Many farmers have been preferring to transport lucerne over purchasing weather damaged cereal or vetch hay to meet protein needs. Improved weather conditions in Queensland have seen many return to lucerne production this season. Wet catchments, dams and rivers will potentially provide many growers with the security to irrigate over the coming summer.
• Trade continues to be limited, however some farmers are reportedly taking the opportunity to seek out good quality hay to put into storage.
• Many feedlots are increasing numbers to meet export markets and will need the fodder to support this demand.

Driving Prices Down

• Improved conditions have seen stock return to paddocks, softening existing trade. Many farmers are waiting for new season hay and how that stock will be priced before making further purchases.
• A significant amount of last season’s weather damaged hay is on the market at a reduced price. It will be unlikely to see that hay move so close to the new season.
• Good spring conditions will see many farmers producing and conserving as much silage as they can themselves, particularly along the New South Wales coast and Victoria.

Local News

• In most states, there were milder daytime temperatures with no early hot winds. Western Victoria continues to struggle in parts where rain has been limited and rust red leather leaf is prominent. This will downgrade oaten day crops appearance but not feed value.
• Despite less hay plantings this season, regular growers with good undercover storage are likely to still aim to produce and store as much premium hay as possible.
• Border closures and permit requirements continue to be a concern for contractors as the new silage and hay season approaches.
• Silage is underway in northern Victoria, with southern Victoria to follow towards the end of September, depending on conditions.
• In northern Australia, demand in the Atherton Tablelands remains steady with a small amount moving locally. Following the recent rainfall in Queensland, many areas have had substantial pasture growth. The Darling Downs area is reporting one of the best starts to a season following good rainfall for the first half of the year. Barley crops have start to be cut for hay in the region.
• Southern Australia is on track for a good season with timely rain, as most regions are reporting good growth. The northern Victoria region has started to cut silage, with many growers looking to turn these paddocks around for hay with the favourable conditions.
• Western Australia reportedly recorded one of its best season breaks. High yields are expected through the region as the season progresses well, with prices remaining strong for all fodder types in WA.

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 (10 September 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.