Hay Report - Zero-Zilch-Nothing

For the fortnight up to the 28th of May 2025.

By Dwain Duxson 

Since we started this Farm Tender business over 13 years ago, I don't reckon there would have been a time between then and now when we haven't had Vetch Hay on the website. Today, at the time of writing, there is non, zero, zilch, nothing.

We have also seen some dramatic price increases for Cereal Hay over the last fortnight. Shane said to me, "It's off-tap".

As we wrote in The Farmers Club notes, there is plenty of innovation going on in the Hay industry right now. We are seeing things like bringing Hay and Straw out of WA to the East on Ship and Train. Grass paddocks have been cut at places like Winton and Longreach in Queensland. Rice Straw and Corn Straw, both worthless during good times, are an option now. Rhodes Grass and Cavalcade Hay are being sourced out of the NT, and Farmers are buying Feed Mixers to make things go further. So what happens is that some of these innovations end up being adopted as mainstream practices, like how Straw has become a Feedlot staple within many rations.

This is worth noting from Paul: "A piece of advice for any enquirers: don't send a text or rely on the seller seeing your message through the website. As soon as the number comes through on a text to your phone, make the call as you can nearly guarantee that there are a few ahead and even more enquiring after you".

Back in the fortnight

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

Prices haven't moved much in the last fortnight, and many we feel are maxed out.

Vetch is in the bracket of $450 and $500 a tonne.

Cereal Hay ranges from $450 to $500 a tonne. It's off ta,p the Cereal Hay.

Lucerne Hay ranges from $400 to $505 a tonne.

Clover & Rye Hay is selling anywhere from $300 to $400 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 Hay job has continued to tighten up with little to no supply out there. There are a few Pirates selling at ridiculous prices, which is very disappointing as, yes, everyone needs to make a quid, but there are definitely some who are taking the mickey! Unfortunately, some people don't have any other option but to fuel this fire. All other alternative feeds are being looked at and are moving with Rice Straw seeming like the one option that is available at the minute. With any new listing of Hay, there is a heap of enquiries really quick; a piece of advice for any enquirers: don't send a text or rely on the seller seeing your message through the website. As soon as the number comes through on a text to your phone, make the call, as you can nearly guarantee that there are a few ahead and even more enquiring after you.

Shane Ruyg - Qld based

Shane said - Very trying times with the Hay/Straw job as stocks are low and prices are high, and lots of buyers are struggling to find stock, and we are seeing that lots are heading into NSW to purchase, and the freight costs are making it even more expensive. It's great to see some rain in areas, but by all reports, it hasn't hit everywhere, so we are barracking hard that we start to see some rainfall in those dry areas and lift the confidence and spirits in these trying times.

Mike Pickard - On the road

Mike said - I've given this report from the top end of Western Australia. Talking to a Live Cattle Export manager at Roebuck Plains, they only buy quality Cereal Hay out of the South of Western Australia. I'm currently in Broome, and it's interesting that we see Hay heading South out of the Ord River district, and then we see loads of Hay coming up North. Both directions. Hay heading south is generally for the mustering season, which is in full swing now. Hay Stocks are diminishing very quickly, and what is left is of lower quality. We have Rhodes grass and Cavalcade Hay selling well out of the Northern Territory, going to Queensland and South Australia. There are no stocks of Cavalcade left, but there is another round of cutting of Rhodes grass, which should be in a bale in about 10 to 12 days' time. There has been some unseasonal big rain around, with the northern part of Western Australia receiving 120 to 200 mm and around Katherine receiving upwards of 250 mm overnight yesterday.

Jim Oehms - Northern Country, Vic based

Jim said - Well, I have to say that since our last report a fortnight ago, things have ramped up big time with Hay and Straw enquiries. It is at the stage now where people are buying whatever is available. This includes all varieties of Hay and Straw. I have also noticed that distance is now not really a big factor in purchasing, as it is definitely required. Although there has been some rainfall in areas that have not had much at all, feed is still desperately required to cover the winter needs. I know it can be a little frustrating to some when enquiring about Hay that has already been sold, but most of the time, with a new Hay listing, there are many enquiries on it and usually, the first or second enquirer will grab it. We are still working on the older Hay listings as well and getting these closed if needed, so you will be assured that if it is listed, it will be available. Also, it is suggested to inspect Hay before purchasing and to feed test if going to list Hay.

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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