Now primary producers are doing their calculations to see what they can source, where they can get it from and whether it makes economic sense.

Australian Fodder Industry Association chief executive officer John McKew said despite criticisms that hay prices were being “inflated” he didn’t think this was the case.

“It is the pure economics of supply and demand,” he said. 

“There is continued high demand from drought stricken parts of NSW and other parts of the country,” he said. 

Mr McKew said the news wasn’t all bleak though.

In fact, some of the hay-making regions had received handy rain in the past week.

He said crops around Horsham in Victoria and parts of South Australia had benefited from rain.

Dairy Australia managing director David Nation, said demand for fodder was causing a shortage across the east coast of Australia. 

“In response to these challenges we are focused on providing advice and support to maximise home-grown feed in late winter and spring,” Dr Nation said.

Since this time last year, hay prices have increased by:

“Dairy Australia activities will also be ramped up to provide insights on the hay, grain and water situation,” He said. 

“We recognise that a feed shortage is the last thing the industry needs after a difficult few years,” he said. “To navigate these tough times, I encourage farmers to reach out to the support around them … and tap into resources available in their region,” said Dr Nation.

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