Hay Matters

Episode Highlights:Founded in 1990 in Balaklava, Balco was created to fill a community need for economic development and an operational need for streamlining within the export hay industry.The company has experienced continuous growth, starting from selling grain for leaf grain, before moving into hay pressing, and now makes and purchases hay for export from its site in Bowman and three other states.The investment into research and development means that hay is now grown better, compressed more

Episode Highlights:A variety of rain events have impacted key hay growing areas recently, with some areas seeing up to 50mm while others have been left dry. Most grazing crops have already been planted from central NSW down into parts of Victoria, and some farmers will be grazing to a certain growth stage before making hay. Most hay growers won't be planting until after ANZAC Day. To diversify risk and take advantage of opportunities for grain or hay, growers need to look at the history of the

1.2 million tonnes of Australian hay and straw goes for export each year, with 99% of that being dryland farming, planted in between the end of April and early June, made up primarily of oaten or cereal hay.Two key factors are crucial in oaten hay: Water Soluble Carbohydrates (WSC) and Neutral Detergent Fibre (NDF), while there are lower amounts of protein, averaging 5-8.5%.Balco rigorously maintains quality control throughout the export process. This involves inspecting fields immediately after

Episode Highlights:Anthony and Jeff travelled from Toowoomba to Glen Innes, then on to Tamworth and Forbes, up through the Hunter Valley and then looping back via Moree.They found numerous areas to be drier than expected, with rainfall proving inconsistent across various regions. This has resulted in some farms boasting full paddocks, while others remain dry.The demand for hay is on the rise again due to drier conditions, as buyers approach the end of the reserves stored away pre-Christmas, in

Episode Highlights:Australia has experienced above-average rainfall across Eastern Australia, affecting hay demand.The unexpected shift from El Niño predictions to increased rainfall has led to a reversal in livestock unloading, now increasing demand and prices for livestock.Demand for hay has tapered off over the past 6-8 weeks, but seasonal demand is expected to rise again from March through June.Approximately 25-30% of hay has been compromised by being paddock stacked and rain-damaged making it

Episode Highlights:Kimberley reports increased testing rates in the lab as growers work to differentiate their product amongst strong competition.Results point to a trend of increased sugars and proteins across the board, boosting overall nutrient quality.Water soluble carbohydrates (WSC) are up 10% in cereal hays.In New South Wales, the season has produced exceptional cereal hay, with 58% of inspected product rated FCA or FCAA, a fantastic increase from last year's 16%, which Steve attributes to

A brief big picture look at Australian Ag in 2024 and the differences between the U.S and Australian hay marketThe investment, dedication and hard work of young people returning to large scale family hay farms.Adapting to varying weather patterns, specifically the shift from El Niño to La NiñaHow growers and buyers can get the most out of the hay market during a wet year.The challenges and risks posed by outdoor stacked hay, especially under the threat of potential floodingInsights from past floods,