Hay Report - Scarcity will see prices rise

For the fortnight up to the 27th of September 2022.

By Dwain Duxson

It hasn't been a great start to the Hay Season. Rain continues to fall on the Hay Growing area of SA, Vic and NSW. The rain seems to fall at weekly intervals, and the forecast is for more of the same.

Some Vetch Hay is on the ground, and it's not looking great. 

Oaten Hay Crops are maturing and will need to be cut soon to maximise optimal quality. Crops cut for Hay is expected to be down a third compared to last year. However, that number might increase if the weather pattern doesn't change. 

Farmers are changing their minds on the run about which way to go. One industry expert estimates that 2/3rds of the Vetch Crops will be sprayed out or ploughed in. Where's all the good Hay going to come from?

If you can snag some good quality Hay this season, you will be rewarded as we feel that prices will have to rise due to scarcity. 

Paul mentions below that a few clued up Dairy Farmers have been active in securing Protein Hay. Mainly Vetch. I am sure there is still some good quality Vetch Hay out there in Sheds ready to enter the market.

The rain has been good for Grain Crops in SA, WA, Vic and Southern NSW, with most Farmers in these areas saying it can stop anytime soon. In Central and Northern NSW and parts of Queensland, it has been wet all the way through, with patches looking good, whilst other areas have suffered from wet feet. 

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

We have seen some Vetch Hay move in the last fortnight, mainly to Dairy Farmers. Medium-grade stuff and selling for between $200 and $250 a tonne. 

Cereal Hay demand continued to struggle, with $200 seemingly the benchmark for the better quality stuff. 

Some decent Wimmera Straw sold for $85 a tonne, and we sold a large parcel for $35 a bale (8x4x3's).

All prices quoted are ex GST and ex Farm.

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

Paul Grayling - Mallee, Vic based

Paul said - The last fortnight has seen a few clued-in Dairy Farmers secure some good Protein Hay, mainly Vetch. The way this year is shaping up, it looks like more will be sprayed out or chewed off or used as Green Manure. So there might not be a lot around come December, and what is around it might be light on in the quality department. 

Shane Ruyg - Qld based

Shane said - As mentioned in the previous fortnight, things haven't changed much with rain still falling and causing issues with the Hay job. Many growers are Spraying out or putting the livestock, and many are leaving Cereal Crops for Grain Production. Hoping the late Crops down south will yield some Hay. Otherwise, it will be a tough buyers market with the lack of Hay being made and quality issues.

Mike Pickard - Travelling around 

Mike said - There are small spot loads of Hay being sold; otherwise, there is next to no inquiry on Hay. With all the moisture and rain around finding good quality Hay later in the season will be difficult. A little bit of interest in Macerators and Super Conditioners as people are looking at different ways to cure Hay

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

Or 1300 Farming (1300 327 646)

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