Hay Report - More Hay than we thought

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For the fortnight up to the 29th of November 2022.

By Dwain Duxson

In the whole scheme of things, it's probably been a good Fortnight for the Hay industry. Farmers were able to get back onto paddocks in some capacity, and it's been mostly fine, not hot yet, but it's getting there.

So instead of our forecast a couple of weeks ago of 10 percent of last year's Hay volume, we are now thinking it's going be more like 20 percent and maybe higher. Farmers are making decisions around individual paddocks on a daily basis, and many have just got into it, knowing the optimum time has passed.

But the kicker will be the quality. I mean, nutritionists will be advising clients to seek A1 stuff, but it's simply not there. Beggers can't be choosers, and buyers will have to downgrade their expectations. I am pretty sure most buyers have that mindset anyway.

There are still opportunities out there with things like Straw, Silage, Lucerne and Summer Crops. Once again, it will be dependent on the situation and will be a paddock-to-paddock thing. I mean, if a Header and Chaser Bin are going into a paddock and making a mess, the Farmer will likely say a Tractor and Baler are not welcome and pass up the opportunity to bale Straw. And if that's the case, the contractor or in-house baler won't probably want to be there making a mess either.

As for demand, it's been a solid enough fortnight, and there are some good sales being made. Those who know they will need Hay at some point in time are looking at how they can best utilise lesser-quality stuff. Feed Mixers have been selling well lately and will be an option for many.

We are selling a few LoadLoopers right now.

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

Most of the new season Hay has a high NDF, so eating quality is not at its most efficient. There are many reasons for this. 

Vetch Hay traded a bit higher over the last fortnight with a parcel of top-quality new season stuff out of SA making $355. It was a decent 600-tonne parcel. But most of the Vetch Hay is not of great quality and would be trading at $5-$10 above a fortnight ago maximum. 

Most of the Lucerne Hay we traded was over $300 in the last fortnight, and we will start getting second cut Lucerne come through in a month or so.

We sold a decent parcel of Oaten Hay for $305 a tonne. 

There are plenty trying to get rid of old-season Straw, however, most that are in the market for Straw will hold out for the post Harvest stuff. 

All prices quoted are ex GST and ex Farm.

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

Paul Grayling - Mallee, Vic based

Paul said - Finally, with some drier, warmer weather. Many are getting a run at the Hay Season now. With a lot of ordinary Hay being baled there seems to be the odd nugget of Gold out there. There will be some moderate to good Hay about, but not a lot would have made the cutting/curing period without getting wet. WA, however, have had a good Hay Season, with some quality Hay being baled. Growers over West are open and even considering marketing heavily in the Eastern States. With the correct product and pricing, this could be a smart option. 

Shane Ruyg - Qld based

Shane said - Another solid week on the Hay job with lots trying to lock in parcels before the quality is gone. Still getting feed tests and parcels of Hay that are average, but it is what it is as it's simply a year like no other. Still hearing that a lot of Silage is being baled, and good to hear that the Farmers are finally getting a good run with the weather, and fingers are crossed it continues.

Mike Pickard - Travelling around 

Mike said - There appears to be a little bit more Hay than we originally first thought, as Farmers in Southern Australia are getting a run at making a little bit of Hay. The quality will be the big question. It will definitely be a good year to have a feed test if you wish to sell relatively quickly.

A lot of Straw has been baled this year across Qld. On a road trip the last couple of weeks around the Roma, Surat and Dalby areas, there were large stacks of Straw. 

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

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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For easy, over-the-phone approvals in less than 24 hours, call Kelsey 0409 117 730 or Mieke 0455 888 392 or find out more about DelayPay here.