Hay Report - If it’s not one thing, it’s another.

Another fortnight and another issue facing agriculture. If it’s not one thing, it’s another.

This time conflict in the Middle East is starting to ripple through the ag sector, pushing oil prices higher and in turn lifting the cost of fuel and fertiliser. Freight won’t be immune either, with many transport operators already adding fuel levies as they try to manage the uncertainty.

Without getting into politics, these rising costs have once again shifted the landscape heading into the upcoming cropping season. After a year of low grain prices and high inputs, margins are being squeezed yet again.

What happens next is anyone’s guess. Much of it now sits outside farmers’ control whether in the hands of global politics, markets, or the decisions coming out of Washington.

In the short term we are likely to see many farmers scrambling to secure fuel and fertiliser supplies to ensure crops can get in the ground. Beyond that, the hope will be that by spraying and harvest time this issue has eased and become a distant memory.

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 $300 to $450 a tonne (New Season)

Cereal Hay ranges from $200 to $400 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-$155 a tonne.

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

Paul Grayling - Mallee, Vic-based

The past few weeks have seen the Hay job pull up a touch with rain falling to a lot of areas that were in need. While there is a lot of talk of Supply v Demand and many varying opinions on what needs are over the coming months and if one will out live the other, one thing is fairly black and white, if you need it and cant get it you are in strife. That being said with the cost of Inputs not looking to drop in a hurry, Hay might be one commodity that doesn’t increase for at least the short term. In saying that if things stay dry there is a fair chance it will only go up. Also there is every chance that a Fuel Levy or a revised Fuel Levy will come into play with the current state of play around Fuel.

Mike Pickard - On the road

Since the rain across Victoria, South Australia and the bottom of New South Wales hay inquiries have dried up for now with a few dropping prices to try and get stuff moving.
Eastern Northern New South Wales is very dry, and many are feeding stock or seeking adjustment.

There has been good rain through Queensland, an area west of Goondiwindi up to Roma and west has been a bit light on but they have had rain but the rest of the state is either drenched or have had good soaking rain. All in all it is looking pretty good for this year’s up and coming crop.

Jim Oehms - On Annual Leave.

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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