Seasonal Update
On Saturday, patchy rain fell in the Goulburn Valley, with some recording 10mm, while others only recorded a light drizzle. No rain has fallen in the region since.
With so much green feed along the east coast, farmers are busy turning this into hay or silage. Farmers are trying to capitalise on these conditions and make as much feed for themselves as possible.
Much of the eastern regions have good soil moisture so farmers have sown, or are sowing, cereal crops. Farmers are hoping to graze these crops through the winter before locking them up to make hay.
Figure 1. BoM 8-Day Total Rainfall Forecast.
Figure 2. Farm Online Maps Precipitation Outlook.
Trading and Marketing
Farmers in the Goulburn Valley continue to sow rye grasses and early cereal crops. Water prices have significantly dropped in the region which has helped farmers irrigate annual grasses.
Demand continues to ease in the region. There is less hay being transported from the region, however large quantities are still moving. Similar to last week, a lot more hay is coming onto the market from verbal contracts that have been cancelled and its easier to find quality feed. It has been reported that many truck drivers have also continued to lower their fees.
Hay prices are drifting lower, with round bales stored in paddocks, and it has been the most aggressively priced in order to clear before the break.
Prices
Figure 3. Cereal hay prices into the Goulburn / Murray Valley.
Prices noted for this week:
| Change | per t | ||
| Cereal hay | +/- 0 | $280-340 | Prices eased this week |
| Lucerne hay | + $50 | $550-700 | Prices firmed this week |
| Straw | – $15 | $90-140 | Prices eased this week |
| Pasture hay | – $35 | $300-380 | Prices eased this week |
Pictures of New Season Crops
Hay: Oaten Hay SP (JC-1 Super)
Specifications: Soft, no spotting or weather damage, sweet & fresh aroma, very minimal dust contamination, JC-1 Super colour (95% Green) and JC-1 stem size (<5-6mm).
Location: Caldwell, NSW 2710
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.