Hay Report - It's not always an easy sell.....

For the fortnight up to the 19th of February 2025.

By Dwain Duxson

The past fortnight has been a full-on one for Hay inquiry and sales. I'd go so far as to say it's the busiest it's been since the drought broke back in March 2020. During that period from 2017 to 2020, the industry completely sold out of 4 seasons worth of Hay in those 3 years. It was a busy time. Back then, the drought was in the North. Nowadays, the dry is in the South, so the dynamics have changed.

But when I say it's been busy, it's not a patch on what it was like in the 17-20 period.

Although the concentration of Hay deliveries is in the South, there is the odd load starting to head into the North, but it's mainly Straw from Central NSW going into Feedlots further North.

Even though there is plenty of Hay moving, it's not an easy sell with Livestock Farmers pouring over their budgets trying to work out what is viable. There are a number of factors stopping a sale go through. Freight is a big one, the cost of Freight is a killer for many. The up-and-down nature of the Sheep and Cattle markets is not instilling any confidence into the game there. Farmers are progressively de-stocking. There's a bit of procrastination going on when it comes to pulling the trigger on a load, even though they might have needed it yesterday. There is also a bit of cat and mouse from the sellers who know the longer we go into Autumn, the better price they will potentially receive.

I'm hearing of some terrible Lamb scanning rates coming out of SA, which will disappoint.

Back in a fortnight

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

Vetch is in the bracket of $375 and $405 a tonne.

The best Cereal Hay ranges from $250 to $350 a tonne, which is similar to a fortnight ago.

Lucerne Hay is as high as $400 a tonne.

Clover & Rye Hay is selling anywhere from $285 to $335 a tonne, which is also similar to last fortnight.

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 - The last fortnight has seen more sales, with quality Protein Hay being fairly popular, along with Cereal and Straw also being looked at. Again, cartage seems to be a major factor in sales going through. We are seeing more listings hitting the market. Tests and good photos are pivotal when marketing your Hay along with bale weights. 

Shane Ruyg - Qld based

Shane said - Continuous dry weather is pushing the feed job hard, with still plenty of Hay and Straw being sold in the past fortnight. With this, we are hearing plenty of destocking is happening and alternate ways of feeding. Most are looking for an early break as the cost of the feed and transport is putting a financial strain on many. Hay prices continue to rise with not too many cheap lots remaining as the bigger players are out and about grabbing what they can before the squeeze happens later in the season.

Mike Pickard - On the road

Mike said - Some good parcels of Barley Straw and Wheaton Straw heading North into Queensland. This is being sourced through Central and Northern New South Wales and, if it's cheap enough, into the Riverina areas. If anyone has any in that area please get in touch with me must be 500+ KG bales. Some good parcels of Lucerne Hay out of the Riverina are selling into far Western New South Wales. In other areas, just spot loads of Hay in general, with Farmers buying as required. Just to note to all sellers of Hay please update your listings.

Jim Oehms - Northern Country, Vic based

Jim said - There is still a lot of Hay moving around the traps and all over the place. A lot are looking for Hay/Straw closer to them due to the transport costs. All varieties of Hay are being looked at, including Lucerne, Vetch, Oaten, Wheaten and Pasture hay. Prices are still pretty respectable, too, and I have noticed that most are having feed tests done as well, which makes it easier for buyers to query. A few I have been speaking to also have been listing half of their Hay but keeping the rest as unsure of what is to come weather-wise. South West Vic is still dry, and feedlots are looking for decent Hay. A touch of organic Hay is also being looked at so if you do have any of this, it would be a good time to get this listed.

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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To watch a video on how it works or to buy Load Looper go to the website here.

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