Hay Report

National Summary

National background comments: report for the week ending 26 February 2021.

The next update will be on Friday 12 March 2021. Direct links to reports on each dairy region immediately follow this national summary for hay.

After rain throughout spring and summer, there are reports of growers hoping this will continue at the right times. Whilst these conditions continue and pasture is available for grazing, demand for hay is not expected to increase for some time. Trade remains limited while cattle prices are high and some farmers have substantial fodder stores.

A mice plague has been suffered throughout Queensland and New South Wales over recent weeks, with reports of large mice numbers now in northern Victoria. Despite the mice causing damage to stored hay, there are now reports of damage caused to corn crops in some parts of New South Wales. Sources suggest there are locust outbreaks in western New South Wales, with many growers commencing spraying to mitigate.

As some parts of the northern hemisphere are experiencing extreme cold conditions, and China halts fertiliser production to prioritise resources for heating domestic homes, there are reports a potential global fertiliser shortage. Many growers are trying to secure their fertiliser needs in anticipation of supply shortages, with phosphate and urea prices continuing to increase over the last few weeks.

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

• 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 (12 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.