Hay Report: Potential vs Reality

Speaking with a lot of farmers this week, the general feeling is that many have received considerably more rain than expected in what was forecast to be a 'Super El Niño' year. Most are now set up for what could be a record season, with moisture levels and crop growth stages at record highs. However, with the predictions comes plenty of uncertainty, and there are still a lot of variables to play out over the coming months.

With the amount of rain we are receiving in areas, crops are developing rapidly and growth stages are well ahead of where they would normally be at this time of year. This means what we are seeing now is not necessarily what we will end up with, particularly with more rain forecast for next week.

We are also hearing that planes are being brought in to apply fungicides, with many farmers struggling to get onto their crops due to the wet conditions. This highlights just how challenging the conditions are becoming, despite the fantastic growth potential.

There is also some hay being knocked down already in the VIC Mallee. With more rain on the way, the risks are high, particularly around curing, as the crops are being cut much earlier than normal and conditions are making it difficult to get hay properly dried and baled.

Overall, we appear to be heading towards what could be a bumper season, but as farmers know, nothing is done until it is safely in the silo or shed. Quality could become an issue if the wet conditions continue and farmers struggle to get onto crops at the right time.

There is certainly plenty of potential for this to be a game-changing season, but there is still a long way to go. Fingers crossed the weather gives everyone the window they need to get the job done.

Back in a fortnight..

Shane Ruyg

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

Here are the latest prices.

• Vetch is in the bracket of $295 to $500 a tonne (25/26 Season)
• Cereal Hay ranges from $155 to $350 a tonne (25/26 Season)
• Lucerne Hay ranges from $285 to $655 a tonne.
• Clover & Rye Hay ranges from $230-$450 a tonne.
• New Season Straw ranges (at the moment) is from $80-$150 a tonne.

We go around the grounds to hear from our Farm Tender Sales team:

Paul Grayling - Mallee, Vic-based

The last fortnight has seen more rain around the traps and the need for Hay in the South has slowed up considerably, There is still some interest from the north but distance and pricing are having a fairly large say in what is viable to make the journey. On farm pricing needs to be looked at if clearing the shed is the goal prior to new season hay hitting the ground. We are starting to see adjustments being made but as it stands supply is easily outweighing demand.

Mike Pickard - On the Road

Other than the occasional spotload there has not been a lot of hay moving prices are starting to come down. But there is not a whole lot of wriggle room has the cost of production has increased. Areas on the Queensland border from St George East have been drought declared but there is no freight subsidies only interest free loans. Central and Northern Queensland is good. There has been good falls between 15 and 20 mil through central  New South Wales which will keep the crops coming with some good feed in the Liverpool planes. Also, there has been some very good falls which will set most farmers up in Victoria for the up coming Hay and Grain season, but demand due to freight constraints will only make shifting hay any distance almost un affordable.

Jim Oehms - Northern Country, Vic-based

It has been a slower 2 weeks in regards to Hay and Straw movement and the recent rains are keeping things pretty green. Smaller loads here and there are still being sought after. a few are getting what they have in the sheds listed now to make room for this seasons harvest and prices seem to be still ok, but a bit of a variance in prices on some varieties. With fuel prices inflating again and no government subsidies this time, most are looking as close to possible to them and working their way out. Hay is still in demand in northern NSW and QLD. Remember, if selling your hay to have a feed test done and if buying to inspect first.

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 call us on 1300 Farming (1300 327 646)