Hay Report - The Value of a Feed Test

For the fortnight up to the 3rd of December 2025.

By Shane Ruyg

As we approach the final stages of hay baling (excluding straw), the significance of Feed Tests is becoming increasingly evident. The past 2–4 weeks have been marked by unsettled weather conditions, including strong winds, persistent rain, low temperatures and limited sunlight. These conditions have caused considerable frustration for both hay and grain growers, with many commenting that it has felt more like winter or late autumn, and some even relying on heaters and electric blankets until only a few days ago.

These weather patterns have had a varied impact on hay quality. In several cases, windrows have remained in paddocks for 2–3 weeks, while reports of darkened bales across some regions indicate likely quality concerns for prospective buyers. Consequently, buyers will need to exercise due diligence, as there will effectively be two distinct quality categories of hay entering the market this season. This is where the role of Feed Tests becomes critical.

Although buyers often rely on the grower’s assurance regarding quality, this approach is not always reliable. As highlighted by many sales managers in their reports, hay quality will differ significantly this year. Buyers are therefore advised to obtain Feed Test results and, where appropriate, conduct physical inspections. This will ensure that when the hay arrives on-farm, its quality aligns with expectations.

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 $350 to $450 a tonne (New Season)

Cereal Hay ranges from $240 to $430 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 $100-$200 a tonne.

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

Paul Grayling - Mallee, Vic-based

Paul said - The last fortnight has seen the weather do just about everything with Rain, Winds, Sun very low December temperatures, It has been another year that has seen the curing/baling process be slowed and drawn out. Rain count have varied a lot so how much damage has been done is yet to be determined there will definate signs that some Hay has got wet. Sales have picked up a touch with mainly protein hay shifting along with some good priced cereal and also some smaller parcels of Straw. Overall i would say the quality has been fairly good compared to the last few years but buying off a Feed Test and photo’s if you cant inspect the Hay are both no brainers.

Mike Pickard - On the road

Mike said - Talking to farmers down south a lot are hanging onto hay supplies until after harvest, then they’ll look at their options and Price accordingly. Talking to a few in NSW lot of the hay contractors are purchasing hay up or letting hay buyers know where the hay is and they are approaching farmers direct. There has been some good rain across the Southern QLD and Northern NSW where those dry areas are now being planted to summer crop. Also hearing there is rain in areas of Victoria which were dry earlier in the year which has slowed down inquiry on existing stocks of hay, but no doubt will pick up once the heat comes back and moving into Autumn - Winter next year.

Jim Oehms - Northern Country, Vic-based

Jim said - Seeing a few more lots of hay popping up onto the site and straw also. If it is priced right it is usually selling straight away. A lot that i am talking too are still hooking into it as the rain and weather has been holding a few up getting it into the baler. With better weather here now it will bring the moisture down. Talking to a guy over in WA and he has a few thousand tonne that he wouldn't mind getting over to the east also. Pricing is still the topic also with more realistic prices being seen. It will be interesting to see how the next few weeks go i think. Remember, if you are selling hay to get a feed test done and if you are looking at buying hay to arrange inspections beforehand.

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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