Hay Report - How do we prevent Hay stack fires?

For the fortnight up to the 19th of November 2025.

By Shane Ruyg

As another fortnight rolls on, the hay market is still no clearer in terms of what quantities are out there or where prices will eventually land. The run of horrible weather has slowed the whole process down and is now starting to affect the grain industry’s start time as well.

With so much hay already on the ground, most growers are waiting for it to dry enough to bale and get those moisture levels right. Over the past 3–4 weeks we’ve heard of quite a few sheds going up in flames, likely due to people rushing to beat the next rain front and pushing the boundaries on moisture. In many cases, these fires are avoidable.

It’s a real concern. Despite all the education over the years, this is one issue that just hasn’t improved. We continue to see multiple fires each season, and for whatever reason, that hasn’t changed. Maybe it’s an area where more training or stronger messaging is needed, because we simply can’t afford to see hay—especially Vetch Hay, which is at a premium at the moment—going up in flames when supply is already tight.

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 $375 to $450 a tonne (New Season)

Cereal Hay ranges from $260 to $365 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 - This last Fortnight has seen plenty of weather related hold ups, From Rain to Wind, Curing tempreatures and moisture levels not playing the game. We havent had a real good run and its seemingly blending Hay into Harvest, Throw in the odd break down and things are living up to the Silly Season Tag quite well. We are seeing some Feed Tests come back in and most aren’t too badly effected by the Rain. We have also heard of quite a few Hay Stack Fires so Feed tests and close attention to the moisture levels are very important. If you have higher moisture Hay make sure its the first to be fed out. Pricing hasnt quite settled totally but those who are keen to sell fast out of the paddock are moving if the price is low enough other wise it seems buyers are happy to wait and see what happens, That and some feed around in paddocks might be contributing factors.

Mike Pickard - On the road

Mike said - Speaking to a few farmers in Central and the southern areas of northern New South Wales things are starting to get a little dry in places. Pasture is starting to hay off and farmers are starting to look for a little bit of extra hay supply to put in the shed.Western areas of New South Wales are still chasing hay. With the harvest season coming on pretty quick Listings  of Hay have been put on hold until after harvest is complete then we will see a little bit more on the market.

Jim Oehms - Northern Country, Vic-based

Jim said - Well it is definitely full swing with a lot baling now and some about to start. Moisture is the main concern at the moment due to the recent rains which had been wide spread and keeping the balers off the paddocks until the moisture comes down a bit. I have heard some good reports on Hay that has been baled already with better yields than expected. A fair few still asking what prices will do as well and can only give indicative pricing right now. Vetch, Lucerne, Wheaten, Barley and pasture are slowly coming onto the market now and prices seem to be a bit more realistic than a few months ago. Some will most likely hold onto the hay they are cutting for a little while too. Canola and wheat are looking good throughout central Vic. If you are looking at selling your hay i would suggest to have a feed test done, and if you are buying hay to arrange to inspect first.

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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