Hay Report - An unheralded industry entrepreneur

For the fortnight up to the 6th of August 2025.

By Dwain Duxson 

We did a podcast with Ken Williamson. Ken is an unheralded Aussie who invited the Silage Wrapping process. 40 years ago, he identified that pallet wrap would do the same for baled Silage, so he then went and invented the automated wrapper to complete the process. It's a wonderful story of an unheralded Aussie Ag entrepreneur and inventor. Take a listen on Apple here and on Spotify here.

There is a bit of chatter around about new season prices and where they are going to land. In other words, there is some crystal balling going on. The word on the street is that Vetch might have a 4 in front of it, low 4's or perhaps a high 3. Cereal Hay is tipped to have a 3 in front of it, and if Vetch is a high 3, Cereal, you think would be a low 3. 

It's all a bit of a guess, but the hot tip is that if we get some sort of season, things will trend back to normal.

Things have changed a little from our last report a fortnight ago. Rain has given hope that a new season might actually happen. This is in the main Hay growing areas around SA, Vic and Southern NSW. 

There is also a BOM forecast out there saying that we might be looking at a wet spring. We all know to take that with a grain of salt, but it's positive, and it's very much needed for us to get through. 

Shane Ruyg was speaking to a Wimmera Farmer today who said this: "Speaking to a guy in Minyip and he said they had a couple of inches of rain a week or so ago and said if they can snag another inch in the next few weeks that will at least get them in the Hay game which would be a good result for them".

Back in a fortnight.

For 6-month payment terms through DelayPay, give Kelsey a call at 0409 117 730.

What's happened to Hay prices over the last fortnight?

Here are the latest prices.

Vetch is in the bracket of $500 and $650 a tonne.

Cereal Hay ranges from $420 to $625 (500 per bale) a tonne.

Lucerne Hay ranges from $495 to $650 a tonne.

Clover & Rye Hay is selling around $550 a tonne.

Straw is making anywhere from $120-$300 a tonne to $220 a bale.

We go around the grounds to see what our Farm Tender Salespeople have to say:

Paul Grayling - Mallee, Vic based

Paul said - We have been hearing some talk about the upcoming season's Hay and where the pricing will land. If recent sales are anything to go by, the price will start somewhat softer than it has been recently. We are seeing buyer hesitation to purchase top-dollar Hay unless the quality is there. With most starting to get some feed in the paddock after recent rain, most are watching their feed bill a lot closer, as there seems to be light at the end of the tunnel. We have also had new listings come on the market at a more reasonable price, and these have been selling, with some dearer parcels not moving.

Shane Ruyg - Qld based

Shane said - It's been a slower fortnight on the Hay job, with most activity limited to spot loads and a few securing larger volumes as a precaution. We're starting to see some new season Cereal Hay hit the market, with pricing coming in a bit higher than expected. That could shift over the next month or two as more supply becomes available. Protein Hay remains in demand, driven by the continued cold and wet conditions, which are increasing Livestock feed requirements. Pleasingly, some key areas received much-needed rainfall over the past week, lifting confidence. Many are now hoping for follow-up rain in the next 2–4 weeks to build enough moisture to at least carry Crops through to Hay – a far better outlook than what was being faced just 6–8 weeks ago.

Mike Pickard - On the road

Mike said - Hay inquiries have slowed up to a degree, still selling spot loads for those who require it and if the freight is reasonable. New season Hay is not far away for New South Wales, maybe a little longer for Victoria, but certainly mid-September to the end of September, we will see it on the market. This may have a downwards movement in price.  It will be interesting to see where it will sit. Just talking to a few who say growth is still slow in southern Victoria. We are looking at bumper Crops for northern New South Wales in Queensland.

Jim Oehms - Northern Country, Vic based

Jim said - I have noticed a bit of a slowdown on the Hay job over the past week, but in saying that, there is still a lot of movement about. Big parcels were being taken up until a couple of weeks ago, but I have noticed that loads on an as-needed basis is where it is at right now. Straw and Silage are also popular. Hearing from a few that, after the recent rains that people are thinking that there may be some good ground feed coming too. I have spoken to a few also that have had Hay stored but will want to be getting rid of last season's before they cut this season, and are asking what a decent and fair price would be. There have been some good reports in certain areas of Hay that will be due to be cut shortly, too. Just a reminder also that if you are looking at purchasing hay, to inspect first and if you are looking at selling, to have a feed test done.

End of message.

For more information on selling or buying Hay contact the following:

Paul Grayling – 0447 069 082 or paulg@farmtender.com.au

Shane Ruyg – 0447 922 604 or shaner@farmtender.com.au

Mike Pickard – 0429 677 636 or mikep@farmtender.com.au

Jim Oehms -- 0481 102 288 or jimo@farmtender.com.au

Or 1300 Farming (1300 327 646)

Introducing Load Looper, the invention designed by Ian and Andrea Hamilton, who are Farmers at Tatyoon. Ian best describes how Load Looper works here. "Load Looper is a weighted ball device that attaches to a loading strap to carry the strap over the highest legal loads and simplify the loading process.

To watch a video on how it works or to buy Load Looper go to the website here.

Buy now, pay later for Hay! Try DelayPay today.