Hay Report - Low supplies will provide options come Spring time

For the fortnight up to the 17th of April 2023.

By Dwain Duxson

I drove from Central Victoria up to Wagga Wagga via Shepparton Cobram, Berrigan, Urana, and Lockart, where there was plenty of action in the Cropping paddocks. Nothing seemed to be up yet, and the Seeders were making some dust. The Cropping paddocks have got that dreary sprayed-out look that you get at this time of year. The pasture paddocks had a tinge of green, but the grass looked watery, and I'm not sure the Sheep and Cattle are getting much benefit yet.

East of Wagga, all the way through to Holbrook and Albury, it's looking much greener. I caught up with a Farming family near Mangoplah, and they have had over 300mm for the year. From Albury south down the Hume, it starts to taper off, but for this time of year, it looks alright.

We headed over to Stawell from Central Vic on Mother's Day, and it had a similar look to what I saw on the way to Wagga Wagga.

Obviously, there is moisture underneath, but many are waiting for a dump of rain to connect it up. South Australia is dry in places, and WA is a mixed bag.

Seed sales on the Farm Tender platform have continued, with many making decisions on the run as to what to plant and what to plant it for.

If we get a dry and cold Winter, most of the Hay stocks will be exhausted, and this means that there will be a focus on what the new Hay season can deliver. If we manage to get enough in-Crop rain to connect up the moisture, it could help Hay stocks when it comes time to make those decisions. It's going to be interesting to watch it all play out. Farmers will have options at their disposal come Spring time. And it will come around quickly because I know for many Farmers, especially those that endured a late Harvest, the first five and half months have flown by.

Hay sales across the Farm Tender platform have increased as we launch closer to Winter. We are seeing dribs and drabs of quality Hay come onto the market, mainly Lucerne Hay.

Jim points out below that Horse Trainers are looking for Vetch Hay, but with the lack of quality around, they might have to go back to the old ways and use Lucerne. 

I'm told that this year's Australia Fodder Industry Association conference is in Echuca.

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

Prices remain similar to the last fortnight, and I don't think we will see any real price increase until the new season is upon us. That's with the proviso that we get some late Autumn and Winter rain to keep things going. 

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

We sold a 500-tonne Wheat Straw parcel for $80 a tonne, which would have been slightly discounted for a bulk purchase. Barley Straw has been selling for around the $100 a tonne mark. 

We sold most of the Vetch Hay between $165 and $185 a tonne. It was moderate-quality stuff. But we did sell a really good batch for $300 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 - This past fortnight has seen a rise in inquiries on Hay as things cool down/dry out or off. Quality seems to be the main hurdle to get over. We have a lot of options, but finding the right article might take a little longer than usual to find. I would advise inspecting the Hay where possible if that can't happen Feed tests and photos are a must when locking in parcels that you can't inspect. I would stipulate that they are booked on a first-load approval basis. 

Shane Ruyg - Qld based

Shane said - Shane is currently on leave

Mike Pickard - Travelling around 

Mike said - Inquiry for Hay has picked up. Mainly Lucerne and Vetch at this stage with a little bit of clover Hay being nibbled at. Buyers are looking at better quality if they can get it and would prefer it shedded and definitely a feed test. The season is looking like a mixed bag at this stage, with areas being very wet, others dry, and others in between.

Jim Oehms - Northern Country, Vic based

Jim said - The hay job is picking up, going by recent activities. Vetch, Oaten, Wheaten and Lucerne Hay have been the most sought-after. I have had at least 6 calls in the last couple of days from Horse trainers looking for good quality Vetch for their horses also. Straw demand is also on the way up with some good enquiries over the past week.

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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