Hay Report - Are we heading for a dry spell?

For the fortnight up to the 11th of February 2026.

As another fortnight of hot weather rolls past, we are starting to see a noticeable change in the landscape. Large areas across NSW, Victoria and South Australia are drying off rapidly, with conditions deteriorating significantly compared to just a month ago and a stark contrast to what many thought might eventuate without a crystal ball.

Speaking with a number of farmers recently, it’s clear many are now planning to bring in more feed than initially anticipated. At the same time, water is becoming a growing concern, with dam levels dropping and temporary water supplies reaching very high prices.

Looking ahead, the long-term forecast is again raising talk of El Niño returning to haunt us. As we all know, these forecasts are not always accurate, and there is hope that once we move into March and April, rain will fall in the areas that need it most. However, conversations with producers in the Riverina suggest many are already in drought mode and taking proactive steps to minimise the impact should dry conditions persist.

Moving forward, there is a real possibility of a rush on hay and feed in general. We are not currently blessed with abundant stocks, and if weather conditions fail to improve, supply could tighten again. The key message is to be active rather than reactive—plan ahead and ensure you are well covered as the critical periods approach.

By Shane Ruyg

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 $300 to $450 a tonne (New Season)

Cereal Hay ranges from $200 to $400 a tonne (New Season)

Lucerne Hay ranges from $340 to $615 a tonne.

Clover & Rye Hay ranges from $350-$380 a tonne.

New Season Straw ranges (at the moment) is from $90-$155 a tonne.

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

Paul Grayling - Mallee, Vic-based

The last fortnight has seen some very hot weather tighten the grip on the Fodder Job, Whilst some area’s in NSW have received some rain, Most havent got enough to get the Dams Full and a solid Break present itself. Hay enquiry has continued to climb with some good parcels getting looked at and secured. Stocks at the minute are fairly healthy but depending on what Mother Nature decides to do will see the job tighten up go the other way. As per the norm its very much a waiting game, The key i believe is timing the waiting and the acting correctly so you dont miss the boat and can get value for money.

Mike Pickard - On the road

Talking to Members in New South Wales the season is getting very dry very quickly. Some are worried where the season is heading a lot of looking into the sky for the the upcoming rain event spreading through Queensland in and into northern New South Wales how far south it will come is the guess. Inquiry on hay has started to pick up.
Talking to a few members in Victoria some are hanging onto hay at this stage, for some it is their only income for the year to be released later in the season, for others it will be for their own use. There seems to be plenty of straw at the present time.

Jim Oehms - Northern Country, Vic-based

There is a bit going on with the hay job at the moment and it is only going to get busier as the lack of rain in Vic/SA and parts of NSW due to the weather and fires, and QLD with the rains have spiked an increase in demand. In regards to the fires it is good to see that there has been some good donations of hay into the affected areas. Prices seem to have remained pretty good and realistic as well. Vetch/Barley/Oaten is popular and pasture hay as well. Straw is well sought after as well. Just a reminder, if you are looking at selling hay to get a feed test done and if buying hay to arrange inspection.

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)

Do you want to stay on the green line? - Join The Farmers Club here

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.