Farm Tender

The Farm Tender Hay Report – Rain saves the day for some

Rain saves the day for some.

For the fortnight up to the 11th of August, 2020.

Well, that was a season-saving rain for many of the Hay growing areas of Victoria and South Australia. It was starting to get to knife-edge stuff with the lack of rain and persistent frosts drying Crop out immensely during July and the start of August. Rain saved the day and bought some time for many, those in the Mallee probably have had enough to start cutting Vetch Hay in a week or two. The higher value Vetch Crops were the ones that benefitted most from the rain.

The rain was lighter on in the Wimmera, and the heavier soils will require more as the weather warms up. SA rainfall was patchy, and many areas remain dry with Sheep going onto Crops in some spots. The Pastoral areas of SA are reported to be dry.

No doubt about it, there is some bulk there, and more rain events will lift yields further. So if conditions stay favourable, then you won't have to cover much ground for a decent number of bales. Many parts of New South Wales haven't missed a beat this year; some might be thinking they are a tad to wet, but they are not saying it.

Mike give a good report of Queensland's Darling Downs below.

Concerns are emerging that there might be a shortfall of Export quality Hay in WA. The amount required keeps growing each year, and the late start and lack of growth have Exporters worried. Like everywhere, there is minimal trading of domestic Hay in WA right now.

There were plenty of spreaders going last week and just as many this week spreading the white stuff (what we call "Farmer cocaine"), with follow up rain on the cards.

As we have mentioned in previous reports, with the lack of demand for Hay, Farmers with Crop will look to take that through to Grain if they have a choice.

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

Cereal Hay sold for $175/mt, $185/mt and up to $190/mt

I saw a couple of Vetch Hay parcels sell for around the $250/mt

Straw is in low demand

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

Paul Grayling - Mallee Vic based
Paul said - With some rain around the place, the Hay job is under a little bit more pressure. We see those who are willing to meet the market get a few more enquiries than others. With the new season around the corner, it will be interesting to see what sort of quality is around. The price will more than likely be softer than it is today.

Shane Ruyg - Queensland based
Shane said - Not much to report with the Hay/Straw job again, with only a handful of sales done for the fortnight gone. There has been a small amount of enquiry on new season Hay, but can't see much changing in the short term with lots of rain about and more forecasted in the Eastern states this week.

Mike Pickard - Darling Downs based
Mike said - There has been a couple of spot loads of Hay moving between Western Victoria and South Australia but few and far between. A larger parcel of Oaten Hay sold to a Chaff Mill. 10 to 25 mm of rain fell across the Darling Downs and more further West. This has kept the crops ticking along. More is expected this weekend. The Crop is at varying stages depending on when the rain fell. Further West it seems to be a lot more advanced than the Eastern Darling Downs, where Crops are only 6 inches high. There are a few Windrowers and Balers starting to get ready in Northern New South Wales and Southern Queensland.

Jackie Elliott - South West Vic based
Jackie said - I have spoken to a couple of Dairy and Beef Producers in the South-West who are looking out to see what Hay is around. Hay that is tested for quality and well presented is what will catch their attention.

Hannah Anderson - Central Vic based
Hannah said - Nothing too much to report on Hay; however, a few Sheep Farmers starting to look at Barley to feed Ewes and Lambs. Very rain-dependent on decisions.

Catch you in a fortnight..

Dwain Duxson - Farm Tender & DelayPay

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
Jackie Elliott - 0400 808 550 or jackiee@farmtender.com.au
Hannah Anderson - 0429 479 072 or hannaha@farmtender.com.au
Or 1300 Farming (1300 327 646)

Need to buy something? Try DelayPay

Get payment terms for buyers and payment security for sellers - www.delaypay.com.au. If you are keen to know more ring Kelsey 0409 117 730 or Dwain 0427 011 900