Hay Report - Our Heroes

For the fortnight up to the 29th of January 2026.

Over the past fortnight, we have heard countless stories of the heartbreaking devastation and loss of properties across Victoria and Queensland as fires and floods continue to impact these regions. While the damage has been immense, one theme continues to stand out above all others and the generosity and willingness of people to help in times of need.

The emotional toll on those affected would be unimaginable, yet the way our farming community rallies together is truly something to behold. We are hearing of volunteers working day and night to restore what they can, helping neighbours, friends, and in many cases, complete strangers. This spirit of mateship is what makes Australia, our country, so great.

Large volumes of hay and produce have been generously donated, and the gratitude shown by farmers in need has been overwhelming. They are deeply appreciative of the support they have received and in many cases, continue to receive during this incredibly difficult time.

As we marked Australia Day on Monday, it’s important we recognise and stand behind those doing it tough, along with the volunteers still fighting fires and rescuing people in floodwaters. They are the true heroes, and they are the ones we should be celebrating right now.

With all this in mind, we are now heading into a dry spell, with a lot of feed having been severely impacted by the unprecedented heatwave affecting southern regions. Combined with the volume of donated hay and the current lack of feed down south, there is a real risk of supply tightening as we approach peak demand later in the season. Please keep this in mind when reviewing your feed rations and planning ahead for those periods.

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 - Currently on leave

Mike Pickard - On the road

Mike said - Hay sales have been quite stagnant in the last week or two, but just in the last four or five days it’s like someone’s just flicked a switch inquiry on hay is now ramping up.
Customers are now realising that they need to get hay early this year to guarantee supply. There seems to be plenty of straw at this stage but it’s the better quality and higher protein and ME that could very well be in short supply. With the heat across the eastern parts of Australia it has turned what feed there was into nothing where most areas of New South Wales and definitely Victoria need a drink.

Jim Oehms - Northern Country, Vic-based

Jim said - Although i have had a some time away i am a little out of the loop but i have seen that he hay job is picking up. Hay and straw are being queried on and parcels are selling well. I know there are a fair few that have been donating hay to the fire affected areas in Vic as a lot have lost a lot and no feed on the ground. Prices seem to have steadied out as well. I will have more in our next report. Remember, if you are looking at selling hay to get a feed test done and if buying, to arrange inspecting 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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To watch a video on how it works or to buy Load Looper go to the website here.

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