By Tim Ford, Managing Director, and Jock Jackson, Account Manager
Key Points
- Lower hay production this year compared to recent years – more tonnes per hectares, but a significant reduction on hectares being cut.
- The industry has avoided an oversupply problem that often happens when coming out of a drought.
Extensive weather damage to hay crops so far this year, especially through NSW and VIC. - In these challenging haymaking conditions, growers experience and machinery can make a big difference to final hay quality.
- Increase in silage production for on-farm use.
Higher moisture levels causing downgrades and risk of self-combustion. - Opportunity to make Lucerne hay as the price of some irrigation water drops. Buyers are eagerly awaiting a readjustment of the Lucerne price prior to committing.
- Opportunity for dryland Lucerne and southern pasture hay due to solid rainfall in southern NSW and VIC.
Patience is required in making and marketing hay – demand is moderate and is expected to pick up in Autumn/ Winter 2021.