Hay Report - The most asked question.....

For the fortnight up to the 9th of July 2025.

By Dwain Duxson 

It's the most asked question our Farm Tender crew get, "What's the Hay going to do?" Not the usual one of what's the Hay job doing, but what's it going to do.....

Our guys are in as good a position as most to assess what's going on industry-wise and the sentiments of both buyers and sellers. They get a wide range of opinions and scenarios. The most certain thing in the Hay job is its uncertain future, and that uncertainty is around the new season, which is on our doorstep.

The current has been spelled out, we have record prices, low supply levels and high demand (it was higher a few weeks back). But it's the future that many are curious about. So here are some of the questions that are being asked:

* Will there be enough supply in the new season?

* Will the quality be there?

* Will there be some price relief for new season stock?

* Should I be looking to lock some in early?

* Will sellers be offering standing Crop?

* Will I be able to get a contractor this year?

* If I don't buy early, will I miss out?

These are all unknowns, and we will get a better idea and be able to report on any updates as the fortnights go by. The season will take some shape one way or another, and we will all know in time. 

So keep in touch with our Farm Tender people and put together a bit of a plan about what you might require. We put out a ripper podcast during the week that covers a bit around planning and getting on the front foot early.

Back in a fortnight.

For 6-month payment terms through DelayPay, give Kelsey a call at 0409 117 730.

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

Here are the latest prices.

Vetch is in the bracket of $500 and $625 a tonne.

Cereal Hay ranges from $420 to $625 (500 per bale) a tonne.

Lucerne Hay ranges from $495 to $600 a tonne.

Clover & Rye Hay is selling around $550 a tonne.

Straw is making anywhere from $120-$300 a tonne to $220 a bale.

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

Paul Grayling - Mallee, Vic based

Paul said - Over the past fortnight, the Hay job has declined somewhat, between the lack of availability and the rise in pricing, it seems buyers have opted for other options or the Saleyards. That being said, there is still demand for Hay, but pricing, location and freight costs are major factors in finding a home for the Hay. There are a few newer parcels hitting the website with the new financial year upon us. We are also seeing some alternative options being listed, like Cottonseed and Feed Corn.

Shane Ruyg - Qld based

Shane said - We're at a critical point in the Hay season, with the old season winding down and the new one just around the corner. Prices remain high, but the buying window is narrowing quickly. Many buyers are holding off in hopes that the new season arrives sooner rather than later. Sales are still occurring, though the urgency and panic buying we've seen recently have eased. Transactions are increasingly short-term and need-based, with fewer bulk purchases taking place. Critically, more rain is needed across key growing regions to ensure any sort of reliable return. Stocks in major producing areas are running low, so strong yields will be essential to meet upcoming demand. Now is a time for careful planning and attention to local conditions — the next few weeks will be crucial.

Mike Pickard - On the road

Mike said - Talking to a few Farmers that have a little bit of Hay stocks left. They are weighing up whether it is worth unloading their existing stock in the sheds now and replacing it with new season down the track. There is still a little bit of Hay coming out of Central New South Wales, and it's still selling, but not at the rate it has done in the past. Thinking forward, any Hay produced will probably go into filling up existing sheds first before being released on the market.

Jim Oehms - Northern Country, Vic based

Jim said - The Hay job is still very much in demand in Victoria and SA, and parts of NSW, with Straw and Silage also being sought after as well. Prices are on the increase from what I have been seeing too. Purchases are getting further and further away from Farms, and with the rising fuel costs, transport is increasing. There are a few I have been talking to from over WA, and they are bringing loads over to the east too. There is Hay in Qld and NSW that I have heard has been fire ant-infested, but only certain areas, from reports. I would suggest buying Hay to inspect first, and if selling Hay, to get a feed test done.

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.