Hay Report - Demand Slow

For the fortnight up to the 18th of December 2025.

As we approach the end of the year, activity in the Victorian feed market has slowed considerably. The Western District and Gippsland regions are well supplied with silage and feed, resulting in minimal demand beyond select volumes of vetch hay or other legume-based fodders to address protein deficiencies. In a number of cases, feed quality is testing lower than desired due to excess bulk and prolonged weather disruptions, which have hindered timely baling and pit storage.

Conditions in the Riverina remain very dry, with sustained demand for hay and straw into the cattle sector. To date, this has had little direct impact on activity on our platform; however, should dry conditions persist, increased movement of fodder northward to cover shortfalls is likely.

A continuing concern is the absence of feed test results on some listings. This is becoming increasingly critical and cannot be overstated, as feed testing will be essential as we move into peak feeding periods next year.

As this is the final update prior to Christmas, we wish all readers a safe and prosperous festive season and extend our best wishes for the year ahead. We hope 2026 proves to be a more favourable year for all.

By Shane Ruyg

Back in a fortnight.

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

Here are the latest prices.

Vetch is in the bracket of $350 to $450 a tonne (New Season)

Cereal Hay ranges from $240 to $430 a tonne (New Season)

Lucerne Hay ranges from $400 to $615 a tonne.

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

New Season Straw ranges (at the moment) is from $100-$200 a tonne.

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

Paul Grayling - Mallee, Vic-based

Paul said - The past fortnight has seen more parcels being offered up with a variance in pricing. We have interest in straw and production hay ie Vetch. Cereal has been a bit slower with only spot load shifting, While the price is still finding its feet there seems to be more attention on cheaper lots as majority is decent quality with only a small percentage weather effected and not a lot of that has been spoiled as we have seen in recent years. Feed test and photos are still imperative when listing your Hay. We expect the demand to increase in the new year once the price has settled to point that buyers are happy to pay. Some big silage yields down south have also held up the sales side of things.

Mike Pickard - Currently on leave..

Jim Oehms - Northern Country, Vic-based

Jim said - The hay job is and has been steady and most have finished or about too from what i have heard and a lot of talk on price of hay and straw moving forward. I know a few are holding onto their hay and storing it for later on and prices seem to be reasonable at this stage as well. We should start to see more hay and straw coming onto the market shortly as well. Remember if you are selling hay to get a feed test done and if buying hay to inspect before purchase.

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)

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