Hay Report - Prices maxed out

For the fortnight up to the 2nd of April 2025.

By Dwain Duxson 

The demand for Hay continues to roll along, and what we have noticed in the last fortnight is that rather than buyers operating on a load-by-load basis, they are starting to buy bigger parcels. The reason for this might be because, in the South, we are now at a period where each day we get closer to winter without rain, the longer the feeding period will drag on

As buyers start to take bigger parcels, this has a more enormous drain on stock levels. When buyers are operating on a load-by-load basis, it is like draining the dam with one small floodgate open; bigger parcels mean more floodgates get opened, and the dam drains quicker.

Australia, as far as Feed for Livestock is concerned, has been broken up into the haves and the have-nots. The haves, where some have way too much, and the have-nots might be producers that have never seen it as bare. The Feed should take off in the North, and this could be something that elevates the markets, especially Cattle and gives the have-nots the opportunity to sell Livestock at a decent price.

As for SA, Vic, parts of Tassie and NSW, the average break for this area is around mid-May, so there is still time left. And as WA proved last year, you can turn a dire situation into something outstanding. Let's hope for a break soon, which will, in time, provide some relief to what is a very high-priced market.

Back in the fortnight

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

Prices haven't moved an inch in the last fortnight as many are maxed out, and we can't see them going any higher.

Vetch is in the bracket of $265 and $415 a tonne.

Cereal Hay ranges from $250 to $380 a tonne.

Lucerne Hay ranges from $250 to $505 a tonne.

Clover & Rye Hay is selling anywhere from $300 to $375 a tonne.

Straw is making anywhere from $90 to $180 a tonne.

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

Paul Grayling - Mallee, Vic based

Paul said - This week has seen more action in the Hay market, with Straw being more popular than it has been previously, with a few parcels selling. The distance between buyer and seller is still having a big impact on Sales, With Heavy Bales being preferred by most buyers. As per the norm, Feed tests are a major factor as they show value for money from both the buyer's and seller's side of the sale. With the high input costs for everything value for money has never been more important.

Shane Ruyg - Qld based

Shane said - We are starting to see increasing movement with the Hay job as we start to creep into the cooler part of Autumn and the fact we are not seeing much rain in the areas that require it. It's still very dry down the Sth West of Victoria and SA in general, with some areas in Central and Nth Vic getting thunderstorms but not the widespread rain we are waiting for. We are seeing some good parcels being sold atm and will likely see more of the same with supplies tight and high demand.

Mike Pickard - On the road

Mike said that Hay and Grain are selling well at the present time, only on a load-by-load basis. Some are buying Feed for stock, including Grain as well. Some better quality Hay is going up to Queensland, mainly Lucerne. Some cereal Hay is selling well in the southern areas of New South Wales, just staying within the local region. Some of the charities are starting to put together some Hay going into Northern New South Wales but will also soon be looking at areas in North Western New South Wales and Western Queensland as the waters recede.

Jim Oehms - Northern Country, Vic based

Jim said - The Hay job is still very busy all over the place, with Pasture Hay becoming very popular also as farmers are buying to cover the winter period. Vetch, Lucerne prices have seen a slight rise as there is not much Lucerne around, especially in northern NSW. Oaten and Wheaten Hay are still moving around well also. Prices are seemingly still at a good rate, considering the weather patterns. Transport seems to still be a major factor in buying Hay. Straw is being looked at a lot also of late and is getting more popular, especially Barley Straw. There are more that I talk to that are only selling half of the Hay or Straw that they have pending what weather comes over next month or two. Feed tests are encouraged if selling your Hay and if buying, would also be encouraged.

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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