Central SA

Grain commentary

Hay commentary

Hay trading from the region is quite active to the domestic market. The solid demand from south east south Australia is sourcing hay form both the Yorke and Eyre Peninsula’s.
Oaten hay sowings are in full swing and acreages sown to hay varieties are higher due to a solid export market and outlook injecting confidence into the industry.
The amount of hay available to the market is rather limited and as conditions cool consumption will increase where we may see some increased pressure on prices.
Vetch, clover hay and medics are the hay of choice from dairies looking for protein.
Medic hay is a staple source of protein for dairy cows in this region and can be available at lower prices to lucerne due to lower freight costs. However medic hay is also difficult to buy as it is in short supply this year.
There has been keen demand for lucerne from local horse markets
Pastures are maintained with irrigation and have received little rainfall this year
It is anticipated that straw availability to the domestic market will be limited due to keen interest from export buyers.
Straw is not really in demand from the dairy industry at this point. As autumn and winter progresses this may change depending on the season.
Heavy consistent falls of rain in WA have impacted on the reliance of premium oaten hay grades from SA
Very little cereal hay in Western Australia achieved export grade
WA is responsible for approximately 40% of Australia export hay production
South Australia will now become the major exporting state this year, and domestic buyers will need to outbid a strong export market to secure supplies.