Hay Report - Hay Demand is timely

For the fortnight up to the 19th of July 2023.

By Dwain Duxson

We reckon that this last fortnight would have been the busiest Hay-wise since before the drought broke back in March 2020. We are seeing some good enquiry, good sales, and there are listings coming out of the woodwork.

The lift in demand and sales is very timely as Farmers are in the market to quit some Hay stocks with the hope of replenishing supplies come the new season.

Some of the Hay being listed is of improved quality, as some would have been holding back stock, hoping for a lift in demand. Their wish has been granted. 

Those looking for the best quality available have been able to pick up a parcel here and there.

As the guys mentioned below, Straw sales have risen quite dramatically.

Hay is moving into Northern NSW and Queensland, where things are a little tighter than they would like. Most of the Hay is coming from the South, but some is coming from the Northern Territory and heading South East into Queensland. 

Most of WA is looking pretty good, with some rain in the last couple of days. Crops, on the whole, are looking good, with a good Hay season expected. Paula and I are heading to the Dowerin Field Days on the 30th and 31st of August. We are situated at site no 71 in zone 4. We are looking forward to talking to WA Farmers and to check out how things look.

Many are hanging out for the new Hay season, and surely we can crack one this year. There is a bit hanging on this one, as many feel a dry one is not far away. Although I spoke to a leading Sheep Farmer at the Wool and Sheep show in Bendigo last week, he said the next dry period isn't until the second half of 2031. That's not a typo, but surely he was having a lend of me.

Our friends at Green and Gold Contracting (Matt & Vic Dohle) have entered a Car in the 2023 Variety Bash. It's a great cause, and you can donate through their Facebook page here. Get behind this one.

This year's Australia Fodder Industry Association Conference and Fodder Festival are on the 15th, 16th and 17th of August in Bendigo. Click here for more info. 

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

Because there has been some good and not-so-good Hay come onto the market, prices are wide and varied.

Lucerne Hay is still the king making between $350 and $440 a tonne.

The best Straw is making up to $130 a tonne, with most making between $80-$100 a tonne.

A lot of Oaten Hay is making $255 a tonne neat. Some Barley Hay made $270 a tonne.

A good load of low NDF Clover Hay made $290 a tonne. 

Vetch Hay prices are all over the shop, depending on quality, that range from $175 to $215 a tonne. One better lot made $275 a tonne.

Pasture Hay is making from $165 to $200 a tonne.

Silage prices range from $80 to $100 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 last fortnight has seen another lift in enquiries coming through. There has also been a rise in Hay and Straw listings, with some better quality stuff coming on the market. Straw has been shifting for around the $100 mark out of the shed, with capped or stacked outside Straw going for less. Protein Hay is a harder nut to crack, with buyers having to do their homework and often inspect the Hay in the flesh. Saving themselves a headache on the other end. There is more than likely an option out there for whatever use you require. It just seems finding it is harder than usual. 

Shane Ruyg - Qld based

Shane said - The Hay job has definitely lifted in the past fortnight with lots of enquires and sales with more listings of better quality Hay coming through. We are seeing more Hay move up North into NSW and QLD, with conditions still dry in certain areas, and Straw has been popular as well. Hoping the new season continues to track well so we can get the stock levels and quality up for the coming years.

Mike Pickard - Travelling around 

Mike said - Inquiry for Hay has picked up with sales of Lucerne Silage and Pasture Hay as extra feed over the winter months for Livestock. Demand is there for good quality Hay for Feedlots in the Northern parts of New South Wales and Queensland. Hay is being sourced in the Northern Territory to supply North Western Queensland down as far as Longreach. This is being used at weaning time. Talking to a few Hay suppliers in Central Queensland, they are flat out supplying local stations.

Jim Oehms - Northern Country, Vic based

Jim said - Hay is definitely on the move with a good variety being enquired on, Lucerne, Vetch, Pasture, just to name a few. Straw is also picking up as well. A lot of Hay is going up into the dryer areas in NSW/QLD. 

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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