Central West NSW

Notes:

Commentary

• There has been little to no rain across the region this week with sunnier and warmer days welcomed after some heavy falls earlier in the month.
• There is a fair amount of concern regarding the possibility of Foot and Mouth Disease (FMD) making it to Australia. The impact to livestock and the follow on to growers would be substantial. Information about the Australian Vetplan and preparedness is available at https://animalhealthaustralia.com.au
• Sowing is continuing well in those areas less affected by adverse weather conditions, however as indicated earlier in the year the amount of acreage devoted to hay and fodder crops is down from previous years as growers make a call about the returns available on higher profit crops.
• Diesel prices are high. With price reductions, from removal of the excise, eroded by supply pressures.
• Growers with early sown spring wheat are now monitoring closely. Disease management and nitrogen decisions will be crucial to ensure high quality but profitable yields. There have been some sporadic reports of early stripe rust in grazing wheat in the east of the region.
• Resowing of canola and other rain affected crops is being reported around Forbes and Eugowa.
• Growers are closely watching crops such as fababeans and will consider converting them into green mulch for nitrogen later in the year, if the wet weather causes fungus and quality downgrades.
• Slug infestations, especially in canola crops, continue to be reported, with the pest showing in new areas. https://www.grdc.com.au have a number of resources regarding best practice slug control.
• Mouse activity in and around sheds continues to be reported, though the recent wet has made it less viable for them in the fields as some still have water lying on the surface so burrows are flooded.
• Green feed is going strong in areas with tillage raddish, ryegrass and graze and grain canola giving a number pasture options for sheep and cows.
• Enquiries for hay have steadied, however trade with farmers purchasing to put away for later in the year is going well. Lucerne hay is still being sourced locally and grass and clover hay is coming out of Victoria. High quality cereal hay is still in demand.
• No change to pricing this week.
• Cereal hay: +0/-0 ($175 to $225/t). Prices remain steady this week
• Lucerne hay: +0/-0 ($305 to $355/t). Prices remain steady this week
• Straw: +/-0 ($60 to $80/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($165 to $220/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.