Hay Report - Livestock are tucking in....

For the fortnight up to the 3rd of April 2023.

By Dwain Duxson

We are hearing that Sheep and Cattle are starting to get a taste for Hay as we move into the colder months. One Farmer told me a couple of days ago that he put some Hay out to the Sheep, and they lapped it up. He didn't think they looked hungry at all, and they were doing all the right things in the Barley Stubble they were on, but how they munched through the Hay shocked him.

There has also been a good start to the season in many areas, but the grass is still watery, hence the reason why Livestock are looking for something a bit more solid to eat.

In the Sheep market, the heavy Animals are making the best money, so Farmers are looking for combinations of Feed to enhance that weight gain.

So in saying that, we have seen a slight increase in Hay sales, but more importantly, inquiry has increased, which will lead to more sales in the coming weeks.

Gippsland has had a top start to the season and has grass to burn. Dairy Farmers in these areas are in a good position with Feed in the Paddocks but are still on the hunt for some quality Hay as a supplement for the colder months.

Mice, unfortunately, look like playing a part over the winter, and we know what sort of mess they can make to a stack. We are also hearing of Rats getting into the wiring of Machinery and Vehicles, which is causing angst. Hopefully, it doesn't turn out too bad.

Good quality Lucerne Hay is in demand.

Silage gained in popularity over the last fortnight.

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

Lucerne Hay is the protein Hay hero and is selling anywhere from $280 or $380 a tonne depending on the quality. 

Straw got up to $105 a tonne in the last fortnight.

Vetch Hay prices were from $185 to $250 a tonne.

We made sales for Cereal Hay at between $145 and $200 a tonne.

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

Paul Grayling - Mallee, Vic based

Paul said - The past fortnight has seen more interest in Hay, with the cold weather pretty close to hitting. We have also seen Straw getting looked at. Some parcels from last year and even older Hay have changed hands as they have been re-tested, and the test has presented well. Good Quality Lucerne Hay is in demand with buyers for the right product ready to pounce. If you have something that will fit the bill, let us know.

Shane Ruyg - Qld based

Shane said - Shane is currently on leave

Mike Pickard - Travelling around 

Mike said - Quiet on the Hay inquiries over the last fortnight for me. Just a few spot loads have been sold. In the last fortnight, Silage has been a little more popular, being wrapped, it can be stored outside.

Lucerne Hay is still popular. But most people are looking for the good quality stuff. Talking to one buyer, he found some in South Australia, but by the time he landed back in Queensland, it was in excess of $700 a tonne.

There seems to be a reasonable quantity out there at this stage as the weather gets colder, inquiries will pick up.

Jim Oehms - Northern Country, Vic based

Jim said - A few I have been talking to are having trouble with Mice around the Wimmera and South West Vic. Hay is being looked at now, mostly Pasture and Vetch, from my dealings

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)

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