Hay Report - Confidence boost

Over the last fortnight we have continued to see large volumes of hay heading north into the drought-affected regions of New England NSW, with ongoing pressure surrounding fuel prices and freight costs due to the long distances involved.

The positive news is that parts of the region received some rainfall this week, which will certainly help lift confidence. However, as we all know, rain doesn’t instantly produce feed, and many producers will still require supplementary hay to help carry livestock through the winter months.

Across Victoria, South Australia and southern NSW, widespread rainfall over the weekend has significantly improved confidence heading into the season. Many growers are saying it is one of the best starts they have had in years, largely thanks to the combination of summer rainfall and strong stored soil moisture profiles.

Hay and straw supplies are still appearing adequate to get through winter, however Vetch hay remains the biggest unknown in the market. If Vetch is something you are likely to require, it may pay to keep a close eye on supply over the coming months because, as the saying goes, the early bird catches the worm.

Back in a fortnight..

Shane Ruyg

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

Here are the latest prices.

• Vetch is in the bracket of $250 to $440 a tonne (New Season)
•  Cereal Hay ranges from $200 to $450 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-$150 a tonne.

We go around the grounds to hear from our Farm Tender Sales team:

Paul Grayling - Mallee, Vic-based

Mike Pickard - On the Road

There has been some reasonable rain across north eastern NSW and far Western NSW an area in the middle around the Moree. area has missed out. North Western NSW 30 to 40 mm and the Liverpool Plains spreading up towards Tamworth 40 to 50 mm. Meanwhile 15 to 25 mm across the Darling Downs not enough but it’s a start. Was hearing two weeks ago a lot of trucks are heading north out of Victoria but in the last week the number of trucks heading north with hay has dropped off dramatically. Spotloads of hay are still selling but now it is turned for feed for the Winter months.

Jim Oehms - Northern Country, Vic-based

The hay job is still pretty busy as it has been over the past month, month and a half. Cereals, Vetch and Lucerne are the main queries. In saying that, straw and silage is also being sought as well. There are a few that with the recent rains that have been wide spread over the whole east coast have been very welcomed, may have some feed on the ground which will keep their stock happy. Prices are still very realistic as well. Most are looking at big squares too. Remember that if you are selling your hay to have a feed test done and if buying hay, to arrange inspecting.

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 call us on 1300 Farming (1300 327 646)