Hay Report

National Summary

National background comments: report for the week ending 09 April 2021.

The next update will be on Friday 16 April 2021. Direct links to reports on each dairy region immediately follow this national summary for hay.

In New South Wales and Queensland, there have been reports conditions are drier over this past week, following the recent floods in New South Wales and Queensland. There has been a huge loss of livestock, stored and standing feed. Hay donations have been moving into the region but there have been freight issues as routes have been disrupted. Demand for forage feed has increased, particularly in the flood effect areas – local nutritionists urge farmers to explore all feed options, particularly that of byproducts and concentrates, to mitigate nutritional deficits and spread feed risk during this time.

For those unaffected by the floods, many farmers within eastern Australia have received a supportive autumn break from large rainfall events. Many growers are now planning for new season plantings, taking into consideration the minimal trade of fodder there currently is.

Central South Australia and southwest Western Australia have received some rain over the past fortnight but are yet to see significant amounts. Concerns over mice plagues continue through central New South Wales. The recent rain has helped eased numbers and cooler weather is expected to also reduce numbers.

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.
• The recent floods have seen large amounts of hay move into the region via donations but there are reports of freight issues getting it to those that need it.
• 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

• Some lucerne continues to be cut, but after wet conditions throughout most of spring and summer, quality is reportedly reduced. There are reports of many growers currently mitigating weed growth prior to the new cropping season.
• Straw continues to be baled in South Australia for contracts from mushroom farmers, chicken farms and feedlots.
• Some growers in New South Wales are currently dealing with a ‘mice plague’, which is affecting stored hay.
• Demand is 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 throughout summer, however soil moisture levels are reportedly higher than previous years.
• Prices remain strong for all fodder types in WA.

Price change in table below reflects moves since previous report (26 March 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.