A LACK of stock feed across Australia has left South East farmers questioning the industry’s future with hay prices listed at an all-time high.
Record numbers have been listed up by around 30pc with some farmers paying more than double for low-quality pasture hay.
A Glenburnie farmer recently purchased 78 6x3x3 pasture hay bales for $90 each at a recent Kongorong clearing sale.
The agent who organised the clearing sale and Green Triangle Livestock and Real Estate director Chris Manser said the $90/bale hay would usually be sold for less than half the price in a “good year.”
“For the quality of pasture hay, this is a substantial price-tag farmers have to consider paying,” he said.
“Pasture hay in a normal year would make around $35 to $45 per bale.
“It is a lot because there is basically no hay left in the area and little to be sourced across Australia.”
Mr Manser said he has not seen prices this high in his entire career.
“There has been a competitive demand for hay and I have not seen prices this high before,” he said.
“Although, I do not think the price will continue to rise any time soon.
“I think people will be able to hold on now and hope for a good spring to set up for next season.”
Mr Manser said drought-stricken areas across Australia and the Limestone Coast feed supply being shipped up to New South Wales and Queensland has had significant impact on the South East.
“Hay is at a premium price at the moment due to widespread demand,” Mr Manser said.
“A lot of people have had to de-stock and sell off their prime breeders, not just surplus stock.
“It has been a tough year but we just have to wait for a good spring and replenish then.”
