Livestock producers across the country are being urged to stock up on fodder leading into winter, if they believe they will need high-quality feed.
The recently-released Feed Central National May Hay Market Report said a changing weather outlook for winter means farmers should start considering their fodder requirements.
Feed Central general manager Cierran Maxwell, who compiled the report along with account manager Jock Jackson, urged farmers to "not hold back."
"High-quality hay is still good value; however, quality supplies will slip in available tonnes as 2021 progresses," he said.
Mr Maxwell said buyers were spoilt for choice in hay consumption and able to nominate their price at the start of April, but weather forecasts of average winter rainfall led sellers of high-quality hay to become firmer in their pricing.
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While some dairyfarmers had an abundance of grass, Mr Maxwell said some producers were still chasing hay with high protein content.
"Those that are needing protein hay are encouraged to act quickly as the current available supply is limited," he said.
With increasing demand, Mr Maxwell said these hay supplies would likely be exhausted soon, leaving only lower grades available.
The report detailed that there has been a favourable start to forage oat production, with some graziers looking to also feed straw to help with digestion.
Mr Maxwell said some Lecerne cuts have had difficulty drying and are on the market at a discounted price.
"Suppliers who are able to safely store their product away from mice and weather are now seeing some of the benefits with well-stored product starting to move," he said.
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