Seasonal Update
Rain fell last week in the Goulburn Valley with areas in the region recording between 50 -70mm of rainfall.
The Goulburn Valley is green, and growth is good in the region. Some early sown oats are ready for grazing, and some are locking up these paddocks for silage. There is a lot of sowing occurring in the region.
As forecast, the Mallee, Wimmera and North Central regions of Victoria received less than 5mm last week.
Figure 1. BOM 8-Day Rainfall Forecast.
Figure 2. Farm Online Maps Precipitation Outlook.
Trading and Marketing
Enquiry remains slow. There is not a lot of non-contractual hay moving at the moment and many farmers are still trying to get out of contracts. It is becoming easier to source high-grade hay, this being said, enquiries have picked up a little in the Goulburn Valley but, this is marginal.
There is a lot less hay moving from the region than a couple of months ago. A lot more hay is coming onto the market from verbal contracts that have been cancelled and it is easier to find quality feed.
The weather in April and May will have a larger impact on hay prices. We have already seen prices drop due to the February and March rain in the northern states.
Prices
Figure 3. Cereal Hay Prices into the Goulburn / Murray Valley.
Prices noted for this week:
Cereal hay and lurcerne prices have eased this week.
| Change | per t | ||
| Cereal hay | – $40 | $220-280 | Eased |
| Lucerne hay | – $15 | $420-650 | Eased |
| Straw | +/- $0 | $90-140 | Steady |
| Pasture hay | +/- $0 | $250-330 | Steady |
Pictures of New Season Crops
Hay: Oaten Hay SP(JC-1)
Specifications: Feels crunching soft, very minimal amount of weather damage spots, fresh aroma, <1% Rye Grass, JC-1 colour (85% Green) and JC-1 stem size (<6mm)
Location: Kalkee, VIC 3401
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.