What's Hot in Farming

By Dwain Duxson

Check out the latest Hay Report. We are heading into the new Hay season. What will it bring?

It was another strong week for sales last week. We managed to draw out a few of the rarer items that are currently in demand. We are still getting Pick-Up Fronts, Tipper Trailers, Draper Fronts, Field Bins, etc listed, but they don't seem to last long.

So if you are looking for something specific or something rare like those listed above, we suggest you list a wanted ad. Wanted ads are free for the lister, with the seller being the one that pays if something is sold. We only ever charge the seller if they sell something.

It's starting to get wet out there, even in places where it wasn't wet over winter. Areas in SA, Vic, Tassie and WA are starting to see water run and lying in paddocks. It seems like a decent front is passing through Eastern Australia every week lately. As one Riverina (NSW) Farmer said, "at least it's the time of year for it to get wet, as things can dry out real quick".

Farmers with Crop to Harvest are looking to get it off and in the Bin as quick as possible, hence the reason for the demand for Harvest gear. The trend that is emerging is Farmers looking at purchasing an extra Header. This could be that they don't want to get caught out with a breakdown that causes downtime, or they just might want to have another Header running around to quicken the job up. There are some looking for 4wd Headers, and Parts are another issue making Croppers nervous. The demand for Headers under $100K has been strong in the last couple of weeks. If you are looking to sell a Header, I suggest you look to our Headers and Fronts Auction on the 5th of May. Give Jim a ring on 0481 102 288 if you have something.

The trends for the week just gone include Field Bins, Small Trucks, Chaser Bins, Augers, Tractors, Headers, Pick Up Fronts, Draper Fronts, Tedder Rakes, Grain Bag Inloaders, Header & Tractor Tyres and Tipper Trailers

As far as Grain sales were concerned, we sold some Feed grade Corn for $360 a tonne, Feed Barley for $305 a tonne, and Lupins for $500 a tonne. 

All prices are Ex Farm. 

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This is what the sales guys said happened this week:

Shane said - Seeing a run on Augers and Field Bins at the moment with the likely hood of a big Grain Harvest. Farmers are trying to secure enough storage to help with the process. Also, Header Tyres are being sourced as most want spares or duals, with some worried about a possible wet Harvest.

Paul said - It seems with Harvest fast approaching, Headers have started to fire up. We are seeing more enquiries coming through for Hay making Machinery. There has also been a bit of Hay moving, but I would put that down to the vast majority of Farms being very wet! 

The hope is for some dry, warm weather in the near future which could be the difference between a belter of a year or the demise of another promising season. Hopefully, the gods smile on us, and we get what we need!

Mike said - Anything to do with Harvest is now becoming a priority for Growers, with good sales of Fronts and Headers. A little bit of inquiry on Macerators and Super Conditioners as Hay Growers are looking at different ways to cure Hay. Goods sales of Bunker Storage Bays, as it seems pretty much everywhere is looking at huge Crops at this stage.

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Keep those listings coming and see what else sold here.

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