Hay commentary

• Rain fell on Sunday and Monday in the Goulburn Valley with Echuca, Shepparton and Benalla all recording 14mm, Kyabram recording 11mm and Yarrawonga 7mm.
• The rain has damaged some second cut Lucerne and the forecast rains could cause some more damage. Farmers are busy baling straw before the rain comes.
• Demand remains slow in the region. Irrigated crops that are being cut such as lucerne, rye grass, clover and cereals for those who had the right timing of their cuts these crops are of high quality; some farmers waited for rains and these crops are a little mature and will not be as of as high a quality. Canola that has been made correctly is testing well and is good quality feed, canola hay not made correctly will have high nitrogen levels and will need to be blended.
• It has been reported canola is available in the region for $225 - $300/t on farm.
• It has been reported there is canola and wheaten silage being made and coming into the market at $200/t on farm.
• It has been reported that there is rye grass available from $375/t on farm.
• Price changes have been noted this week.
• Cereal hay: +15 ($350 to $380/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Lucerne hay: +/-0 ($540 to $575/t). Prices remain steady this week
• Straw: +5 ($150 to $200/t). Prices have firmed this week.
• Pasture hay: +/-0 ($310 to $425/t). Prices remain steady this week.
• Please note unless stated otherwise, prices are per tonne, 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.
  
  

Notes:

Change in price is the change since the last report. Hay quoted is sourced locally, delivered locally, GST exclusive. It should be noted that local prices quoted may not be the cheapest available, sourcing it from another region may be more affordable, and buyers are encouraged to evaluate all options. Prices are indicative to a mid-range shedded product, and based on the best indication of market value at the time of reporting. It should be noted there is a wide variation in quality of hay, prices for a mid-range product will not reflect the weighted average of trade. Prices will naturally vary based on the product quantity and quality, buyer/seller relationship and the size of the trade.

This report has been commissioned by Dairy Australia to provide an independent and timely assessment of grain and hay markets in each dairying region. It should be remembered that actual prices may vary for quality or other reasons. Whilst all reasonable steps have been taken to ensure the accuracy of the information contained in this report, to the fullest extent permitted by Australian law Dairy Australia disclaims all liability for any inadvertent errors and for any losses or damages stemming from reliance upon its content. Dairy Australia recommends that all persons seek independent advice and, where appropriate, advice from a qualified adviser, before making any decisions about changes to business strategy.