FARMERS in the North-East are being urged to fill their sheds with hay this season as stockpiles run low.
Feed Central’s national sales manager Dave Clothier said stocks were already low and many hay sheds were empty, meaning there would be a pressing need for more hay.
Mr Clothier said the answer to whether to make hay this season was already clear.
“There is already a shortage of hay in parts of the country so growing hay this season could offer substantial rewards; there will be a strong market for it now and over the next year because of the current shortages,” he said.
Fifth-generation farmer from near Kerang in northern Victoria, Col Radcliffe, who has won multiple Feed Central National Hay Quality awards, expects high demand for quality hay.
Mr Radcliffe’s family business covers about 3500 hectares, including 600 on irrigation, with about 50 percent of the farm’s production dedicated to hay with a focus on irrigated lucerne for the chaff industry, along with vetch and oaten hays.
“We started the season with a full profile of moisture and we’ve got great potential but we need rain very soon,” he said.
“As the days go by without rain, we’re losing that potential every day.
“From everybody I’ve been talking to, it seems like hay production will be down 30-40 per cent,” he said.
“We’ve had a good run of seasons in this area but we know we’re going to cop some adverse conditions.
“I believe there’s going to be more requirement for hay, including for the growing feedlot industry.
"If you’ve got sheds that don’t have hay in them, I’d fill them.
"If you can put quality hay in the shed, it’s always saleable.”
The Radcliffe family also produces grain but remains dedicated to hay growing, and has some tips for success.
“It comes down to attention to detail,” Mr Radcliffe said.
“Treat it as a hay crop, not just grain growers doing it to fix problems in paddocks.
"We’re dedicated hay growers and give it the attention it deserves right from the previous harvest.
“And make sure you store it in a shed or have it properly covered.”