Hay Report - Supply concerns a talking point

For the fortnight up to the 15th of May 2024.

By Dwain Duxson

The cooler months are here, and many in the South are now resigned to the fact that they are going to be feeding at least until the Spring time. This is not ideal, but Farmers know that late breaks are all a part of how it works. I know the average break for SA, Vic, and WA is somewhere from the 10th to the 20th of May, and we are not quite there yet. But to have an average, you must go past the dates mentioned from time to time. This year looks like one of those

It's bloody dry out there in spots, and yet other areas through NSW and Queensland are in great shape. I have heard from many how bare it is in the South West of Victoria, and many who have been Farming there for a while say it's as dry and as baron as they have seen it. These are high stocking rate areas, so I could imagine there would be plenty of mouths to feed.

Supply levels of Hay is a much talked about subject, with many thinking we could get to a point where we might run out. This sort of talk keeps the industry on edge and adds a bit of urgency because those with mouths to feed don't want to get caught out. In saying that, a bit of urgency means that buyers are on the look for lesser quality Hay, some of which has been around for a couple of years with minimal interest in it. A good cleanout can be therapeutic. 

Whilst some are concerned about running out this year, some are equally concerned about the new Hay season if we don't get rain soon. 

The inquiry and demand are nearly as frenzied as it was in the 2019 drought. I'd say it's a little different in the fact that Hay is needed in the South as opposed to the North. In 2019, buyers were snapping up parcels as soon as they were listed, even ones without a test. It's not at that point yet. 

I was just talking to Kelsey Miller from DelayPay, and he said there has been a lift in demand for those wanting terms for buying Hay. If you do need terms up to 6 months give Kelsey and call on 0409 117 730 or Mieke on 0455 888 392.

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

Prices once again were up $10 to $25 a tonne on the last fortnight. All prices are Ex Farm.

Good Vetch and Hay has risen to $335 a tonne.

Straw is one of those things that is pretty negotiable, and most of the latest sales have been around $80 a tonne.

Lucerne Hay has gone up and is selling at around $375 a tonne.

We have sold some good Cereal Hay parcels recently for around $260 to $285 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 last fortnight has seen the Hay job continue to gather momentum with a lot of areas missing out on the rain, the weather cooling off, and growth slowing down. Parcels are moving quite quickly; Quality Production Hay is shifting, with Cereal and Straw starting to move too. If you're thinking about covering your bases for your stock's Winter requirements, it might be an idea to get moving or miss out on what you need and end up with what's left. 

Shane Ruyg - Qld based

Shane said - Another busy fortnight with Hay at a premium with some areas experiencing dry conditions, including Southern Vic and SA in particular. With the forecast not looking great, they are filling Sheds in anticipation that there will not be much or any feed available when required. We are also seeing Feedlots and the bigger users buying up and making sure they have sufficient feed on hand, and with the dry start, we are in danger of not growing enough Legume Hay for next season if it continues in this vain.

Mike Pickard - On the road

Mike said - We are currently travelling through the Northern Territory region, and in the last week, we have travelled up through Katherine into the Douglas Daly region of the Northern Territory. I've had the opportunity to visit several properties along the way. To my surprise, Hay has become a big commodity up here, where I have seen paddocks of stacked Hay. These guys are able to supply large cattle stations throughout the territory, and they have discovered that it is a growing business. I have also passed on multiple occasions low loaders shifting Hay Balers around, especially within the Katherine region.

Jim Oehms - Northern Country, Vic based

Jim said - Well, since the last Hay report, things have certainly ramped up a notch or two, with Hay being a majority of queries of late. Due to the dryness in the South (S.A, Vic and southern NSW), people are looking for Hay of all varieties. It is a mixed bag of older season and new season Hay also and parcels are selling by the Semi/B-Double loads. A fair few are asking for feed tests on listings that do not have one done as well. Lets hope that the areas that are very dry can get some rain soon.

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)

Introducing Load Looper, the invention designed by Ian and Andrea Hamilton, who are Farmers at Tatyoon. Ian best describes how Load Looper works here. "Load Looper is a weighted ball device that attaches to a loading strap to carry the strap over the highest legal loads and simplify the loading process.

To watch a video on how it works or to buy Load Looper go to the website here.

Buy now, pay later for Hay! Try DelayPay today.