Seasonal Update
Patchy rain fell in the Goulburn Valley with some areas recording about 20mm while others recorded about 1mm. Rains have soaked soils for some in the Goulburn Valley. Some farmers have started their sowing program and will be in full swing next week. Many farmers are getting ready for the season ahead including preparing the soil and finishing spraying programs. In parts of central west NSW and the Goulburn Valley, rain this week helped early sown crops and has given farmers more confidence in the season ahead.
COVID-19 has impacted many aspects but a direct impact to us right now is ship availability and space for containers to export hay out.
Figure 1. BOM 8-day rainfall forecast.
Figure 2. Farm Online Maps Precipitation Outlook.
Trading and Marketing
Demand is steady in the Goulburn Valley. There is a lot less hay moving from the region, however large quantities are still moving from the region.
A lot more hay is coming onto the market from verbal contracts that have been cancelled and it easier to find quality feed. The market remains mostly quiet and most of the hay that is moving is contractual.
There are some new enquiries occurring in central west NSW, the Goulburn Valley, Gippsland and southwest Victoria. Most of the northern region markets remain quiet.
Prices
Figure 3. Cereal Hay Prices into Goulburn / Murray Valley.
Prices noted for this week:
| Change | per t | ||
| Cereal hay | +/- $0 | $250-330 | Prices remain steady this week. |
| Lucerne hay | +/- $0 | $450-650 | Prices remain steady this week. |
| Straw | +/- $0 | $90-140 | Prices remain steady this week |
| Pasture hay | +/- $0 | $250-330 | Prices remain steady this week. |
Pictures of New Season Crops
Hay: Oaten Hay P1 (JC-2 but acceptable)
Specifications: Feels Hard, large amount of weather damage/ stain/ spots, sweet aroma, a large amount of dirt, barley, brome and other mixes of grasses as well as other foreign materials, <1% Rye Grass, JC-4 colour (55% Green) and JC-1 stem size (<6mm)
Location: Dunluce, VIC 3472
Sources: Bureau of Meteorology, Elders Weather, Dairy Australia, WX Maps, Lachstock Research, Weekly Times, Grain Central, Mecardo Expert Market Analysis & Feed Central, Wingara AG Limited.
By Katie Lindkvist, Wingara AG.