Supplementary feed still in demand

Fodder prices are tracking steadily, but growers and contractors are still playing catchup on last year’s losses. See how values are trending.

Exporters, dairy farmers and livestock producers are competing in a three-way tussle for quality fodder.

This time last year, the vetch supplies the dairy industry so heavily relies on were wiped out.

And currently there are better supplies of all categories of fodder, but growers and contractors are still playing catchup on the losses from last year.

Australian Fodder Industry Association director Alex Peacock, who farms at Rochester, said demand for export oaten hay was excellent.

He said seasonal conditions were also conducive to supplying this market, which was paying $340 a tonne.

“Export demand has been excellent, and we are seeing some of the best prices they have paid for a long time,” he said.

Export demand combined with local chaff mill requirements and orders for livestock supplies were boding well for the fodder industry in general.

Mr Peacock said the rain last week would only help boost fodder stocks further.

His property received 24mm last week, and it was a welcome boost.

“Last year we lost 30 per cent to 40 per cent of our crops due to flood damage,” he said.

Fodder producer and AFIA director Alex Peacock. Picture: Zoe Phillips

AFIA figures show there is still astrong supplementary feed demand and at Bega, NSW, cereal hay ranged from $230 to $330 a tonne, and pasture hay was up to $330 a tonne.

Cereal hay is tracking at $310 a tonne in Gippsland, and pasture hay at $270 a tonne.

In South Australia, cereal hay is making $325 a tonne.

Dairy farmer Phil Ryan of Bega, NSW, said it was great to finally see some vetch coming onto the market after being wiped out due to flooding last year.

He said vetch hay was making $350 a tonne on farm.

His property received more than 200mm of rain last week. And other parts of the Bega Valley measured up to 400mm.

“We had more rain in three days than we have received in 12 months,” he said.

United Dairyfarmers of Victoria president Bernie Free said spring 2023 had been one of the patchiest in living memory for rain, with some districts flooded and other bone dry.

United Dairyfarmers of Victoria president Bernie Free. Picture: Karla Northcott

“You only have to look at southwest Victoria. Some parts around Hamilton and Colac have done well, then you go between Warrnambool and Portland and it’s been dry,” he said.

“Parts of Gippsland have had a really wet season and then further across, it’s been dry in parts too. It all adds up to higher fodder prices heading into summer.

“When Melbourne gets a big downpour, there’s an assumption that it’s been raining everywhere, and that’s just not the case. Plenty of farmers started their season really early this year, because it dried off so quickly.”