Hay Report - Feed Mixers are worth the investment

For the fortnight up to the 14th of May 2025.

By Dwain Duxson 

We said that things were as hectic as they had ever been a fortnight ago in our last report. Well, things went next-level rogue in the last fortnight with record inquiries.

In the last fortnight, we went from having something to not much from a supply perspective, and that means the buying crowd's attitudes changed. People who are under feeding stress get a little bit frustrated that they can't get what they want. I get it, you are just trying to look after your animals as best you can.

We have had a few buyers frustrated from inquiring about stuff that has been sold but is somehow still listed. Our system relies on its people, and people are busy, and priorities lie elsewhere. On the back of a couple of frustrated buyers, we have put this out.

Subject: Important Reminder About Updating Hay Listings - Hello everyone. We understand there has been some frustration regarding inquiries about Hay that has already been sold. To help alleviate this issue, we are reaching out to sellers with older Hay listings that are still active. If you have a listing that has already been sold, please take a moment to mark it as sold. This simple action will help prevent time-wasting calls for both you and potential buyers. Thank you for your cooperation

We are starting to see things like Rice and Corn Straw become an alternative, which only ever happens in tight supply times like now.

These lower-grade products may work if you have a Feed Mixer, and you can use these lower-grade products as filler or bulk and add the goodness with other products. We have seen many Farmers invest in Feed Mixers over the last couple of years, and we consider them a great investment that can offer the ability to mix and match to keep your feed prices down a bit.

It's also lucky that we have lots of Feed Grain around, so if you have any lying around, make sure you get it listed.

Back in the 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?

Prices haven't moved much in the last fortnight, and many we feel are maxed out.

Vetch is in the bracket of $265 and $420 a tonne.

Cereal Hay ranges from $275 to $420 a tonne.

Lucerne Hay ranges from $250 to $505 a tonne.

Clover & Rye Hay is selling anywhere from $300 to $400 a tonne.

Straw is making anywhere from $90 to $200+ a tonne and is very hard to find.

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

Paul Grayling - Mallee, Vic based

Paul said - The last fortnight has seen a lot of action on the Hay job with levels of all types of Hay running dangerously low, including Straw, Pasture Hay, and all Cereals, with Protein Hay stocks also drying up. Hopefully, we might see a couple of lines present themselves once the Cropping Programs are completed. That being said, I think we will start to see alternative feed options being looked at. Hopefully, we see some rain before things turn cold.

Shane Ruyg - Qld based

Shane said - Shane was on leave at the time of writing.

Mike Pickard - On the road

Mike said - As Hay Stocks diminish, it is getting harder and harder to find quality Hay. A lot of listings have been closed as sellers decide to keep the Hay for themselves. There is still some Hay in Central New South Wales, but the freight cost makes it rather expensive. Have been able to source some stocks in the Northern Territory, mainly Cavalcade, with the possibility of it going back east onto the Darling Downs for Feedlots. Also putting feelers out about getting some quality Hay out of Western Australia, but the cost at this stage, via the road, is rather expensive. In a nutshell, there is not a lot of Hay options left.

Jim Oehms - Northern Country, Vic based

Jim said - Well, the Hay job has certainly kicked into another gear with the lack of rain, and I would say that a big majority of queries and calls are on Hay and Grain at this time. It doesn't really matter what Hay is available as people are looking for it all now. Victoria, SA, Tassie and NSW (Lower to upper middle) are really feeling the pinch. Transport is still a big factor in buying Hay, as some rates are starting to climb for this. I would like to take this opportunity to reach out to any of our Farm Tender members that have Hay listings up or if they thought that they had closed them a while ago as had sold or kept, to please have a look over your listings and close them if not available or mark them as sold. If you are not sure if you have a hay listing with Farm Tender, give one of us a call, and we can help you out with that, too. I am only mentioning this as with Hay in such demand right now, we are finding that enquirers are placing their queries only to find that the Hay has already been sold or was sold a long time ago. This can be a little frustrating to potential buyers at a time when they require Hay the most. I will say that we are working on cleaning these Hay listings up so that when an enquiry does come through, it will be an easier process for both parties. One more thing, if you are the buyer of Hay, I would recommend inspecting it first or trying a bale, and if you are looking at selling your Hay 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.

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