Seasonal Update

Goulburn Murray Valley has received less rain fall this week than last, only about 10mm. The heavier crops in the region are taking longer to dry, much as expected. Growers are hoping for clearer skies to expediate the process.
South West Victoria enjoyed a drier spell, which will certainly be a relief for growers as they near the end of the season and look to limit levels of weather damage.
Gippsland saw the wettest conditions in Victoria over the past seven days. 35mm of rain fell this week in the northern part of the region.
WA continued their dry streak, with no major rainfall reported and most growers finishing their cereal hay season. This marks a much-improved end to the season after a tricky outset.
South East SA received around 20mm of rain, finishing off the hay nicely. Growers will look for a break in conditions to start cutting and drying.

Figure 1:  Last Week’s Rainfall

Last Week's Rainfall -9.11.2020

Figure 2: BoM 8-Day Rainfall Forecast

98-Day Rainfall Forecast -2.11.2020

Figure 3: BOM-Australian Landscape Water Balance

BOM-Australian Landscape Water Balance - 9.11.2020.jpg

 

Figure 4: Precipitation Outlook

WX Maps Precipitation Outlook - 9.11.2020

Trading and Marketing

Cereal Hay Values Into the Goulburn Valley 9.11.2020.jpg.png

Victoria

Growers in the Goulburn Murray Valley who want to take a second cut of silage are enjoying excellent conditions now. Late crops are being cut now and many are awaiting a demand uptick.
The Wimmera region is yielding 8-10/tonnes and vetch is 3.5/tonnes and up. Vetch in the Mallee is varied but yielding approximately 2-3.5/tonnes. Growers are prudently moving new season into storage to protect against the weather. Dairy farmers in the south and Gippsland are keen to buy up the best quality new season hay.
Round and pit silage in Gippsland has already been made in large quantities. Pasture growth has been slowed by cooler conditions in the south, with corn planting possible being avoided altogether due to wet weather.All prices remained steady this week.

Change per t
Cereal hay +/- $0 $190-220 Steady
Lucerne hay +/- $0 $450-500 Steady
Straw +/- $0 $70-100 Steady
Pasture hay  +/- $0 $250-330 Steady

Western Australia

 Premium hay in South West WA is reportedly making $270-$290/tonne on farm, and trading at around a $50 discount for downgraded product. Growers in the Margert River area continue to make pasture hay.

Prices remained steady this week.

Change per t
Cereal hay +/- $0 $330-370 Steady
Lucerne hay +/- $0 $450-490 Steady
Straw +/- $0 $120-140 Steady
Pasture hay  +/- $0 $200-220 Steady

South Australia

Growers in South East SA are gritting their teeth and holding off cutting for as long as possible in an effort to avoid the worst of the weather. Curing difficulties have been observed in the Mallee region, and growers in SA are reluctant to risk similar issues.

All prices remained steady this week.

Change per t
Cereal hay +/- $0 $220-250 Steady
Lucerne hay +/- $0 $330-350 Steady
Straw +/- $0 $100-120 Steady
Pasture hay +/- $0 $180-200 Steady

 

Pictures of 20/21 Season Crops

Hay: Oaten Hay JC-1 (Oaten Hay SP), Yallara Variety

Specifications: Crunching soft & prickly, no weather spots or stains, fresh & sweet aroma, <1% Rye Grass, JC-1 colour (85% Green) and JC-1 stem size (<6mm), Water Soluble Carbohydrates 25.4%.

Estimated yield of 5mt/ha, soil moisture is good, seeding date 23/4/2020, cutting date 21/09/2020, baling date 12/10/2020. Inspected 22/10/2020.

Location: Deniliquin, New South Wales 2710

20-21 Season Hay - Deniliquin, New South Wales 2710

Sources: Bureau of Meteorology, Dairy Australia, WX Maps, Lachstock Research, Weekly Times, Grain Central, Mecardo Expert Market Analysis, AFIA (Australian Fodder Industry Association) & Feed Central.

By Katie Lindkvist, Wingara AG.