Darling Downs

Notes:

Commentary

• Major rainfall over most of the region over the weekend with falls of 80-100mm across large parts of the area. Rainfall was minimal in the early part of the week however riverine flood warnings are still in place. For flood relief and assessment aid visit https://www.daf.qld.gov.au/
• Assessment of flood damaged fields and crops from the last rain event had not been completed when the latest rain arrived, especially in low lying areas where flood waters are slow to drain. There is expected to be substantial losses for sorghum, beans and cotton crops. Reports that crops sown earlier in the month are either stripped, buried in silt or still underwater however the extent of losses cannot be assessed.
• Reports of damage to roads and infrastructure making assessment difficult by road; however some drones are being employed to support the process.
• Some growers are reporting they did manage to get mungbeans off between the rain events but they are in the silos at 15% moisture, which may impact quality and storage capacity. There is a general feeling there will be downgraded crops suitable for animal feed coming on to the market in the region with a greater than expected portion of the sorghum and mungbeans heading into silage pits.
• Some growers will consider aerial seeding as a way of resowing fields where access is limited.
• In areas at the edge of the rain events crops are coming up well. Long maturity wheat varieties such as sunmax are green and thriving.
• There have been some biosecurity concerns voiced by the cattle farmers in the region about lumpy skin and now the recent reports of foot and mouth in countries close to Australia.
• The interest in sales is currently subdued due to the sowing season and the weather events. Green feed is still in plentiful supply in regions not adversely affected by the recent flooding. As always there is interest in quality Vetch or Cereal Hay, but the supply is somewhat restrained.
• No change to pricing this week.
• Cereal hay: +/-0 ($255 to $275/t). Prices remain steady this week
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($380 to $420/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($70 to $90/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($200 to $240/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.