Hay Report - Bang for your Hay buying buck

For the fortnight up to the 27th of March 2024.

By Dwain Duxson

In the last Hay Report edition, a fortnight ago, we asked the Hay sellers to hang in there. Well, since then, things have picked up somewhat. It's raining in the North of the country, but in the South, we are experiencing a typical Autumn dry stretch. They are lovely days, but.

This mini dry stretch has meant that any grass remaining from the wet first half of Summer has all but disappeared. This has meant that Farmers with Livestock have been on the lookout for alternative Feed.

Many say they have never seen it as dry or bare in Southern Victoria, especially in the high rainfall, high stock density areas deep to the South.

The state of both the Sheep and Cattle markets has put added pressure on Paddock Feed because the majority of Producers seem to be carrying more Stock than usual at this time of year due to the poor selling prices.

The good thing about the current season, Hay, is it's of great quality. So, people who are in the market for alternative Feed will be able to fatten Stock on good quality Hay. This is important in a market where weight gain is where the margin is. The lower NDF Hay is more efficient giving buyers better bang for their Hay-buying buck. And as Shane mentioned below, the lesser quality Hay from seasons previous will be fine for maintenance Feeds.

The Feedlots seem to be reaching out again, looking for all types of Hay and Straw to go in their Mixer Wagons.

Hay Exports to China have increased by 125 per cent, which is logical because of last year's ban, but on the 5-year average, volumes are down 10 per cent.

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

Good Vetch Hay has come back a little and is selling for around $280 a tonne.

Straw is being traded for around $70 a tonne or less if people want to clear Stock.

Lucerne Hay has come back a little and is selling at around $350 a tonne.

We have sold some good Cereal Hay parcels recently for around $225 a tonne.

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

Paul Grayling - Mallee, Vic based

Paul said - The past Fortnight has seen some movement in the Hay job, with some areas feeling the lack of Rain/Feed hitting. Winter stocks have been secured by some early birds which is normally an indication of more parcels shifting shortly. Vetch/Production Hay seems to be as popular as anything along with some Straw parcels shifting. 

Shane Ruyg - Qld based

Shane said - After months of very little to no action, we are starting to see the tide turn with lots of Hay enquiries and sales happening as we head into the cooler months. Also, down south, there are areas that have not had rain since January. Cereal and Protein Hay are the pick of the varieties, and some Straw moving as well. The good thing with the demand lifting is that there is some good quality Hay out there from the current season, and if you are looking for cheaper stuff, there is also some previous seasons Hay, which will be fine feeding dry Cows, etc.

Mike Pickard - On the road

Mike said - Inquiries for Hay are definitely on the rise. The weather is starting to turn cold. As most are aware, there has been good soaking rain across Queensland and New South Wales, and it's slowly spreading further south over the coming week. Good sales of Straw, particularly Barley, going in as roughage in a feed mix. Some reasonable inquiries for Hay up in the Northern Territory just by a few local suppliers and potential end users.

 Jim Oehms - Northern Country, Vic based

Jim said - I have noticed a dramatic change in demand for Hay in the past month, and especially talking to Farmers and Dairies, things have definitely dried out, and a lot of parcels have been moving. A whole lot of variety also and Straw as well.

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.