Minor flood warnings near the Goulburn, Murray and Loddon rivers may further delay fieldwork and haymaking preparations.
• Cutting remains at least four weeks away for many growers around Rochester. Some vetch crops are reportedly too wet and may be worked back into the ground. Cutting has started near Mildura, to the north-west of the region, while Ouyen growers in the nearby Mallee are also beginning cereal and vetch hay harvests following early sowing.
• Hay inquiries are very quiet, with little hay reported to be moving locally or on freight routes. Cereal and lucerne hay prices continue to ease.
• Large carry-over stocks in Victorian and South Australian sheds are weighing on the market. Uncovered paddock stacks are attracting limited buyer interest, and some growers are discounting parcels to clear space ahead of what could be a large spring hay crop.
• Some change to pricing this week.
• Cereal hay: -5 ($210 to $330/t). Prices decrease this week.
• Lucerne hay: -10 ($410 to $570/t). Prices decrease this week.
• Straw: +/-0 ($115 to $135/t). Prices remain steady this week.
– The hay report is produced for Dairy Australia by the Australian Fodder Industry Association (AFIA). For further information go to the Dairy Australia website: dairyaustralia.com.au
