Seeding Success: a discussion with Grower Relations Manager Stephen Page

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 paddock, whether it's prone to frost, and options for weed control and fertilising. It's important to track the pesticides used on crops as both domestic and international hay sales require a CVD (Commodity Vendor Declaration).The Wimmera Mallee country is seeing lupins and lentils compete with vetch in some regions; meanwhile, the canola price is down and growers are moving from canola back into cereal hay due to price and marketing opportunities.In areas that didn't receive rain, some growers are choosing to plant dry, which can be a balancing act as the ground has to be dry enough to plant and wet enough to germinate.It's been an extremely good season for hay production in the majority of areas, but there is still some two year old hay on the market which may be lower quality due to damage; it's important to feed test and visually inspect the hay to establish the quality. Although we're a long way off from making straw, there remains concern from last season's purchasing decisions made by Darling Downs Feedlots, which heavily concentrated on their local area. This may lead to more caution by southern straw growers this season who missed out on sales. While the price of balers has increased, many more machines are appearing on the second hand market.For growers looking to utilise a contractor at the end of the season, it's important to start looking now or talk to existing contractors to ensure availability. The hope is for a good curing period to produce quality hay, and that means having those sheds ready. Make sure that they are set up, clean, and ready to store hay.The key to a good season is preparation, capitalising on opportunities, and reduce risk by having options for grains or hay based on the conditions.