THE export market is providing one of the few bright points for SA’s fodder industry, with plentiful supplies on-farm after massive yields last year and almost non-existent domestic demand.
Australian Fodder Industry Association chief executive officer John McKew said domestically, little was happening on the hay front.
He said supplies in the country’s north had been under pressure, which caused some interest in hay from SA and Vic.
“But when Cyclone Debbie hit, it put a bit of a stop to sending any fodder up there,” he said. “It will be interesting to see the outcome, and what the level of damage is in that part of the world.
“While no significant losses of fodder and hay have been reported, I wouldn’t be surprised if it has occurred.”
Mr McKew did not expect any significant change in domestic conditions any time soon.
“The past year was a little unusual – a lot of people made hay for themselves and they’re not out there looking to buy hay from their traditional suppliers,” he said.
“Some traders are holding on to supplies, hoping prices and demand will lift.”
Mr McKew said the export figures for this year were the strongest since 2014.
“ABARES figures show 98,000 tonnes of fodder was exported in February, which is a very healthy figure and it’s on top of 95,000t being exported in January,” he said.
“There’s certainly positive signs from the export market. But the caveat is quality.
“Exporters’ specifications are very specific and there’s a quality issue right across the country this year.”
Mr McKew said buyers needed to be aware of these quality issues.
“It would be advisable to get a mould and feed test done if buying fodder, to see if it’s the quality to meet your needs,” he said.
