Feed Central has developed the resource to support farmers making hard decisions around harvesting grain or cutting for hay.
Feed Central managing director Tim Ford said farmers were now at a critical point in their decision making after the predicted wet spring failed to eventuate.
Mr Ford said the page had been developed in response to concerns raised by farmers about how to cope with the drier than anticipated season.
“We’ve had a lot of phone calls, especially from the southern states, because farmers aren’t having the spring they were expecting,” he said.
“It’s turning very dry and a lot of crops are not going to finish so it’s knife-edge decision time for farmers who are running out of moisture and looking for help with crops failing to finish.”
The resources page — Tools and Resources for Hay Season Decision-Making —incudes a hay versus grain calculator, Tips for a Profitable Hay Season magazine, a market update and other video resources.
Mr Ford said farmers were starting to worry about the best way forward.
“Farmers want to know their options if their crops are not going to get through,” he said
“Hay is a good option but you must manage the product.
“Stacking outside is a very short-term option, but if you use a good contractor, make it right and store it in a good shed, you will realise a good profit.
“Selling it off the paddock just after the baler is not always the best way to sell because of soft prices and we’re seeing that now in this drying-off time.
“Winter is the best market for selling hay but it must be done right.”
The Hay Versus Grain Gross Margin Calculator helps farmers to independently weigh up options as the season unfolds and compare hay and grain side by side to see which will deliver the stronger return.
Tips for a Profitable Hay Season magazine is an annual resource bringing together expert advice, industry insights and grower information to support a successful season ahead.
“Having the numbers can help guide your decisions this season,” Mr Ford said.
“The goal of the resources page is to support farmers with information to make the decision that’s best for them.”
Find the new resources page at: https://www.feedcentral.com.au/hay-season-resources/
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