Hay Report - The Tale of 2 States

For the fortnight up to the 14th of January 2026.

As we welcome in the new year, Australia has once again been reminded of how quickly conditions can turn. Two states, miles apart, facing two very different but equally devastating natural disasters. Fires raging through communities in one, floods inundating homes and properties in another. Lives have been lost, homes and livelihoods destroyed, and countless farmers have watched years of hard work disappear in a matter of days. Beyond the physical damage, the mental and emotional toll on those affected is something many of us will never fully understand. Yet, as always, the resilience of rural Australia shines through from volunteers and emergency services to neighbours helping neighbours which is a powerful reminder of the strength and spirit that binds these communities together.

With these events, we are likely to see many animals perish and many more left without feed. Already, farmers are donating their product and time, and we are receiving calls from charities and everyday people wanting to help those who have lost everything. While there will undoubtedly be tough times ahead for the unfortunate, history tells us that with this same Aussie spirit, people will rise again. With the support of many, they will rebuild, regain confidence, and get back to doing what they do best with producing for our industry despite the dark times and challenges of recovery.

With this in mind, please consider donating if you have the opportunity, even if it’s just a few bales or any form of feed. Every contribution will be greatly appreciated and welcomed by farmers in need.

On behalf of the Farm Tender team, we extend our sincere condolences to all those affected. Our thoughts are with you, and we wish everyone impacted a safe and speedy recovery. We stand with you during this difficult time.

By Shane Ruyg

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 $300 to $450 a tonne (New Season)

Cereal Hay ranges from $205 to $385 a tonne (New Season)

Lucerne Hay ranges from $400 to $615 a tonne.

Clover & Rye Hay ranges from $350-$380 a tonne.

New Season Straw ranges (at the moment) is from $90-$200 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 - There seems to be a reasonable supply of hay at the moment and it’s fairly stagnant with inquiry through Farm Tender, but due to the effects of flooding and fire stocks are starting to shift. In the north there is a large amount of Fodder being dropped to livestock and any supply of hay in the Queensland Northern Territory region is being used there. In the south were many of our members are the fires have been horrendous and areas are needing Fodder to keep existing stock alive. In both situations human nature comes to the four and a lot of hay is being donated. However this situation is putting a dent in existing stocks and as the normal dry/autumn winter prospects loom they might or may not be enough to go round to all.

Jim Oehms - Northern Country, Vic-based

Jim said - The hay job is pretty steady at the moment, Vetch, Wheaten, Oaten and cereals are being listed and prices seem to have stabalised a little without going over the top. Straw is also being sought after. From talking to a few re hay going into the fire affected and flood areas up north, there will be a fair few that will be needing hay and straw as a fair bit has been lost in Vic and QLD. If you do have some hay or straw you can spare to help out that would be appreciated very much. We will most likely start to see hay enquiries get a bit busier leading into the end of January and start of February due to the increase in weather and there will be a lack of feed on the ground. I would suggest to have a feed test done if selling your hay and to inspect if you are buying hay. Be safe everyone.

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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