Hay Report - We talk to industry pioneer Jim Hoffmann

For the fortnight up to the 25th of June 2025.

By Dwain Duxson 

We did a Farmers Club podcast recently, and our guest was Hay industry stalwart Jim Hoffmann from Green & Gold Contractors. For anyone involved in the Hay industry or Farming in general, I recommend you take a listen. There is a lot of wisdom here.

Take a listen to the podcast on Apple here and over here on Spotify.

We asked Jim to outline some of the biggest changes we have seen in the Hay industry over his time. We went through them one by one. This is what Jim said.

Big Squares - The Big Squares kicked off the domestic Hay market as we know it today. They were a game changer because you could sell and freight them easily. We were one of the first contractors to start using Big Square Balers. We had a Hesston Baler.

Telehandlers - Broken windows and busted sheds. No, seriously, safer and more efficient handling of Hay.

Vetch Hay - It didn't take long for it to grab a hefty slice of market share. Once people tried it once, it was the Protein Hay of choice after that.

Hay Testing - A big change for the industry and a big change for our business. We were able to target parcels of Hay to specific customers. It also set a measure for the quality and, in turn, pricing of Hay.

Freight - The Big Squares meant we could freight Hay further. B doubles, and then Triples helped, and the relaxing of the rules around freighting Hay made a difference.

Export Hay - This meant that we had more selling options at our disposal. It was also good in dry times when the exporters would opportunistically release some Hay into the market. It's an industry that keeps on growing.

Straw - Initially, we sold into the Mushroom industry, and we still do today. Now, Feedlots, Stockfeed Mills, Dairies and others use it. It created a bigger window for us, and we were able to better utilise our Contracting Machinery. The Straw industry is now very important.

Silage - We only do it for our own use. We don't do it commercially. We prefer feeding Silage to our own Livestock over Hay.

NDF as a test metric - Initially, it wasn't even on the test, and now it's the go-to figure. 

Croppers building big hay Sheds - Hay has allowed the Croppers to diversify into Hay when need be. Like when they have a frost or cut off spring, they can do Hay. Most have built big Sheds and can store the Hay until the selling opportunities arise. 

Mower Conditioners - They now play a big part in getting the Hay into a Bale quicker. They have been great for the Export Hay industry.

Hay Rakes - The Tedder Rake allows us to get it in a Bale quicker.

Hay Additives - We use Hay Guard, and if a Bale of Hay is not treated with Hay Guard, then we have a policy that it can't go into one of our sheds.

There is so much more in this podcast. Make sure you have a listen. Thank you very much, Jim Hoffmann.

Back in a fortnight.

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

Prices rose again in the last fortnight 

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

Cereal Hay ranges from $450 to $550 a tonne. 

Lucerne Hay ranges from $500 to $600 a tonne.

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

Straw is making anywhere from $200 a tonne to $200 a bale.

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 only seen dribs and drabs hitting the site, with most of it being at a fairly high price; supply is definitely running at a low. There could be a few parcels hitting the market over the next few weeks, with the end of the financial year fast approaching. Good to see some handy rain tallies getting around, but unfortunately, with the current soil temp not being conducive to much growth, the need is still well and truly there for Hay.

Shane Ruyg - Qld based

Shane said - It's been an eventful few weeks in the Hay industry. We're currently experiencing a lull in enquiries and purchasing, mainly due to values sitting at an all-time high. This has created some tension in the market, with many Farmers choosing to offload stock or explore alternative feeding solutions. Weather conditions are playing a major role right now, several regions have turned cold and wet, which could lead to sporadic load movements in the short term. It's a concerning shift, especially with much of the new crop and pasture only just beginning to emerge. We'll need to closely monitor how things unfold across the season, as there's real potential for a limited fodder Harvest by September–October, particularly in key producing areas like Victoria and South Australia. That said, we're optimistic there will still be viable pockets of harvestable Hay. The recent rainfall in the Riverina, for example, could prove pivotal if supply tightens later in the year. Hopefully, continued rainfall paired with a mild spring will support strong Crop development and set us up for a more stable season ahead.

Mike Pickard - On the road

Mike said - Mike was unavailable for comment at the time of writing.

Jim Oehms - Northern Country, Vic based

Jim said - The Hay job has quietened down just slightly over the last week, but is still very much sought after, with a lot still after Hay and Straw. The recent weather over the past few weeks has put a bit of green on the ground, but not enough, as the rain has been hit-and-miss in places. People are looking further and further from where they are to get Hay and Straw, also, and transport is still a factor in purchases. I have also noticed that Hay/Straw and silage prices have increased over the past couple of weeks. If selling Hay, it is always suggested to get a feed test done, and if buying, to inspect it first.

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.

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