Hay Report - An old fashion summer

For the fortnight up to the 5th of February 2025.

By Dwain Duxson

Many in the South of the country who had a tight season last season are now getting an old-fashioned hot and dry summer. But the old-fashioned summer sees these areas going from dry to very dry, and the need for Hay has picked up over the last fortnight.

The big guys have entered the market. By that, I mean the Exporters are swirling around looking for product to fill containers that is a little below their normal specs. The Feedlotters are also active, with the Cattle on Feed number getting close to 1.5 million head.

The roads are very busy in all parts of SA and Southern Victoria. They are the main focus areas, but there are patches around in other areas that require Hay.

I went on a trip from Central Victoria to Dubbo last weekend, and the feed situation gets better when you head North. However, the greenness is going out of things as the weather heats up. Rain coming down from the North might change things for some.

That Sheep and Lamb market is frustrating plenty, and the Wool market is the same. Just when we thought we might get a run on the Lamb market, it retreats and knocks the stuffing out of the Farmer's sails.

We are seeing some good Hay listings come onto the market, with many getting snapped up pretty quickly. Hay buyers will weigh up their options, and with freight as expensive as it is, those buyers will snap up anything that is close handy and suits.

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

You can get some Vetch at $350 a tonne, but it's more in the bracket of $375 and $405 a tonne.

The best Cereal Hay is ranging from $250 to $350 a tonne, which is up.

Lucerne Hay is as high as $400 a tonne.

Clover & Rye Hay is selling anywhere from $285 to $335 a tonne, which has risen.

Straw is making anywhere from $80 to $150 a tonne, which is about the same.

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

Paul Grayling - Mallee, Vic based

Paul said - There has been some movement on the Hay job, with a few larger parcels selling with Exporters on the Hunt and also Feedlots looking to secure parcels of Straw. We are seeing a lot of enquiries on Vetch Hay, with some good parcels hitting the market recently and getting some traction fairly quickly. Freight continues to be a stumbling point for a lot of potential sales.

Shane Ruyg - Qld based

Shane said - Another steady fortnight with the Hay job and plenty of talk around when we will see more moving with availability and pricing. Still seeing a bit move into the dryer areas of VIC, and with this hot weather, we may see more going down that way. Hearing the other day that trucks are going into SA consistently with the state dry and are hoping to get an early break. Prices seem to be rising slightly, with supply and demand pushing them up, and it will be interesting to see what happens when we hit the critical times in Autumn and Winter..

Mike Pickard - On the road

Mike said - Feedlots are starting to look for Barley and Wheaten Hay, especially in the North. Hay Exporters are out there actively looking for better quality Oaten Hay as there is not much around. Have closed a few listings due to the fact that existing clients have now come back to growers and purchased. Demand for Straw is getting greater as we start ending the Summer months and moving forward to Autumn.

Jim Oehms - Northern Country, Vic based

Jim said - Another warm week across the Southern states last week and more to come with the Hay job is moving along well with all varieties being sought after. Straw is also in demand too. Prices seem to be relatively stable also, but the transport costs are a big factor right now, and most are looking for Hay or Straw closer to where they are. I have also noticed a lot of Pasture Hay becoming queried as well. I would suggest to anyone selling Hay to get a feed test done, and if buying Hay to inspect if viable.

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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