Hay Report - What they talk about at a Hay Conference

For the fortnight up to the 16th of August 2023.

By Dwain Duxson

There are alot of people involved in the Hay industry, and some of you probably don't realise there is an industry body, well, one of sorts. The Australian Fodder Industry Association (AFIA) held their annual conference starting today (16th & 17th of August) in Bendigo, Vic, and I went along. So for those of you that want to know what they talk about at a Hay conference, here's a bit of a summary.

First of all, I just want to say that AFIA relies on many sponsors. Some of them are big hitters like John Deere, New Holland, Kuhn, etc. Most conferences need sponsors but make the fatal mistake of giving them too much air time, and then the product pushing starts.

The first speaker was from Raboresearch, the research division of Rabobank. This guy couldn't attend, so he did a video presentation on the state of the nation's economy with lots of graphs. Nothing new here.

The next speaker was a production system manager from John Deere (sponsor), who spoke about the advancement in technology for their Forage Harvesters and Big Square Balers. Some of the tech they have in the new big spare Balers was a moisture metre which was built in, and they are now able to weigh each bale in real-time. Great new tech that is practical and useful. We like practical tech.

The next Speaker was Leigh O'Sullivan, who's family run O'Sullivan Farms, a Cropping, Hay and Sheep operation at Goornong (Vic), Deniliquin (NSW) and Hillston (NSW). They also have a Dairy at Mooroopna (Vic). It was interesting to hear how a large and diversified operation operates over multiple locations.

Next was a lady from a start-up Green Hydrogen business called HydGENE. Her talk pricked the ears of all the people in the room as she spoke about the main ingredient for the Green Hydrogen being Cereal Stubble. In fact, this is the second time this week I have heard of Stubble being used in renewable projects. It could become a valuable resource....

Next was a lady from the Birchip Cropping Group who spoke about their research project on trying to produce a better Hay Oat. Lots of graphs in a typical trail plot talk where some find it interesting, and some take a snooze.

Next was a product launch for a couple of new Kuhn (sponsor) Hay products. The Hay gear is like the Harvest and Cropping gear, getting bigger by the year.

Next up was the keynote speaker Jon Paul Driver from Hay Kings in the US. Hay Kings is a Facebook group with 80,000 members. They also do a Hay podcast.

Jon also has a dryland and irrigation Hay Farm where they grow Timothy Hay. He also gave us a snapshot of the Hay industry in the US, and one alarming stat was that Alfalfa (Lucerne) Hay yields haven't risen since 1982, and in some states, yields have dropped. Compare this to Wheat and Corn yield, where yields have gone up 100% to 150% in most states for the same period. Jon wonders how the US Hay industry will survive at those rates.

Last for the day was Russel Thomson, Big Bale Pty Ltd. They Farm at Woodanilling (WA) but also have a Hay contract with Rio Tinto somewhere up near Tom Price (WA), which was interesting to learn about.

The event was well patronised, and many people are regular attendees, coming each year from all parts of the county to catch up with fellow Hay-producing friends.

I have been going to this event for 8 years now, and there seems to be fewer Farmer's attending each year, which would be disappointing for organisers.

I won't be able to attend tomorrow. 

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

Once again, prices have stayed pretty stable even though the demand is there.

Cereal Hay price probably trended a little bit North over the last fortnight, with parcels selling to $255 a tonne.

Vetch Hay traded up to $290 a tonne in the last fortnight, with prices related to quality.

Most Straw parcels are making between $80-$100 a tonne.

Rolls of all types seem to be popular if the freight is not too far.

Some really good Clover Hay made up to $340 a tonne.

There wasn't much Lucerne Hay traded, but one lot made $430 and was headed for Southern Queensland. 

Silage prices range from $80 to $100 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 seen more Hay being listed and sold through the website. We are seeing a strong demand for Lucerne Hay. Also getting enquiries on better quality protein Hay either Vetch or Clover and Rye. With some handy enough Crops earmarked for Hay this season, the quality of what's on the market should lift over the next few months. Hopefully, too, the stock prices will follow suit. 

Shane Ruyg - Qld based

Shane said - Again a very busy time in the Hay world with plenty going up North and into the Gippsland area. Freight is an issue presently, with the higher costs to run a Truck and Trailer really biting into the hip pocket for those requiring it to feed their livestock. From all indications, we are looking at some good new season Hay with cutting to start in the next 3-4 weeks.

Mike Pickard - On the road

Mike said - Hay is selling quite quickly in Queensland, with a lot of stuff being brought up from South Australia and the Riverina at this stage. Freight is becoming a real issue, with the cost far exceeding the purchase of the Hay and, at times, can be 2/3rds of the landed price. Conditions in the pastoral districts of eastern South Australia are looking fantastic. Especially around the Flinders Ranges and moving further east between Broken Hill and Mildura. As previously stated, Northern New South Wales and areas of Queensland are very dry.

Jim Oehms - Northern Country, Vic based

Jim said - The Hay job has certainly picked up with very good enquiry on all types. Many I have been talking to have been asking about Hay prices and whether new season prices will be inflated. Most are looking for good energy and protein and snapping up what they can when listed. I would say it would be a good time to go through the Shed or Paddock and get it out there.

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)

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