Planting Guide 2026 Season: Planning for Profit

The 2026/2027 season presents a unique landscape for Australian hay growers. With evolving market demands and shifting environmental conditions, successful hay production requires a proactive approach that begins long before the first seed is sown.

A Seasonal Roadmap for Success

Producing high-quality winter hay follows a strict annual timeline designed to maximise biomass and quality:

• Summer (Dec-Feb): This is the period for critical reflection and groundwork. Growers should review previous paddock performance, assess soil moisture, and plan rotations.
• Autumn (Mar-May): The primary sowing window. Early March focuses on variety selection and starter fertiliser application, while mid-March to May is the active planting period for species like oats, vetch, and barley.
• Winter to Early Spring (Jun-Sep): Focus shifts to crop establishment, top-up nutrition, and rigorous monitoring for weeds, pests, and fungal pressures.

Hay vs. Grain: The Economic Case

For many growers, the choice between harvesting grain or making hay depends on seasonal potential. Historically, hay has often outperformed grain in gross value per hectare, particularly in dry years or when frost compromises grain yield but allows for robust vegetative growth. Feed Central provides calculation tools to help growers compare gross margins and determine the most profitable exit strategy for their specific paddocks.

Strategic Paddock & Weed Management

Hay production is a powerful tool in an Integrated Weed Management (IWM) strategy. By cutting crops prior to weed seed set, growers can significantly reduce the seedbank of troublesome annual grasses like wild oats and ryegrass without relying solely on herbicides.

However, paddock selection must account for chemical history. Residual herbicides (such as sulfonylureas or group I products) can persist in forage, posing risks to livestock or limiting market access.

Managing Fertility and Lodging Risk

Optimising hay yield often requires higher nitrogen inputs to drive biomass. However, this increases the risk of “lodging”, where the crop falls over before harvest. Growers are encouraged to:

• Assess species susceptibility: Oats generally have a higher yield potential but can be more prone to lodging under extreme fertility compared to some wheats.
• Time nitrogen application: Strategically split applications to manage growth surges and reduce the risk of stems becoming weak and falling.

What Buyers Really Want

Profitability isn’t just about yield; it’s about marketability. Buyers are increasingly prioritising quality-assured products.

1. Shed Storage: Storing hay in clean, dry sheds protects it from weather damage and optimises prices.
2. Bale Density: The use of high-density balers maximises transport efficiency and reduces freight costs per tonne.
3. Visual Grading & Testing: Utilising visual assessments and laboratory feed tests (available through Feed Central) allows growers to earn “Weed Safe” or “Seed to Feed” badges, making their listings more attractive to premium buyers.

By aligning production techniques with these seasonal strategies, Australian growers can set their 2026 winter crops up for reliable establishment and superior returns.