Hay Market Update: Supply Holds Firm Despite Global & Seasonal Pressures

In the latest industry update, Nev Janke from LocalAg and Feed Central brings a message of resilience for livestock producers. While the industry is navigating “dry pressure” and geopolitical shifts, the core message is clear: there is hay available to meet your requirements.

As we move deeper into the season, here is a breakdown of the current market dynamics and what you need to know to keep your stock fed and healthy.

Supply & Demand: A Tale of Two Regions

The Australian hay market is currently experiencing a north-south divide. While the north is seeing tighter supplies, the south remains the primary hub for available stock.

• Stock Numbers: Despite some reduction in cattle and sheep numbers, prices for livestock are holding firm.
• Core Herds: Producers are focusing on maintaining their “core nucleus” herds, which is sustaining a steady demand for maintenance feed.
• The “Dry Pressure”: Increasing dryness in certain regions is driving the need for supplemental feeding, though global events in the Middle East are also contributing to a broader sense of market pressure.

The Protein Squeeze

If you are looking for high-protein hay, the window of opportunity is narrowing.

• Lucerne and Vetch: Supplies are getting significantly shorter, and protein hays are diminishing across the market.
• Cereal Hay: While cereal hay remains a staple, the overall availability of high-protein lines is the primary challenge for producers right now.

Alternative Feed Sources & Red Flags

With cereal straws running low, the market is seeing an influx of alternative roughages. Nev Janke issues a strong word of warning regarding these substitutes:

The Sorghum Stubble Warning

As cereal straw becomes scarce, more sorghum stubble and corn stalks are being offered.

“Get it tested for nitrates and prussic acids. It is absolutely important because you don’t want to kill any of those livestock.” – Nev Janke

High-Protein Alternatives

If you are struggling to find Lucerne or Vetch, consider these protein-rich alternatives:

• Cottonseed: Becomes available from 1st May.
• Palm Kernel Meal (PKE): Available now with delivered pricing options.
• Faba Beans: An excellent protein source for sheep or cattle mills.

Logistics: The Cost of Movement

While the product is available, the cost of getting it to the gate remains a challenge. Rising fuel prices are elevating delivered costs, but the logistics chain remains robust.

• Trucks are moving: Freight is available, and the LocalAg team is successfully getting wheels under hay to ensure delivery to your farm.
• Pricing: Expect elevated prices due to transport costs and tightening protein supplies, but rest assured that volume is still accessible.

Final Takeaway

The most positive message for this week is simple: We have hay. Whether you need maintenance cereal hay or are looking to secure protein alternatives like cottonseed or faba beans, the supply is there, you just need to plan for the freight and ensure any alternative roughages are strictly tested.

Watch Nev’s full market report here: