A week of dry weather across the region has seen mower conditioners hit the paddock as farmers kick-start their hay season.
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The first cut for many producers has come free of irrigation thanks to a wetter than average September. Silage has also been made with ryegrass and oats crops flourishing thanks to near perfect growing conditions.
Unlike farmers in the Central West and Southern districts of the state who are battling floods our producers have enjoyed a good start to spring. The tough dry autumn is almost forgotten.
And if the Bureau of Meteorology (BOM) is right then we should be in for a reason later spring and early summer.
BOM has predicted above average rainfall for most districts in Eastern Australia and therefore cooler temperatures.
They have not as yet said we are entering a La Nina weather pattern but average to above rainfall is always welcome news.
Other welcome news is the rise in prices for dairy products.
Dairy has been standout performer following considerable weakness over the last two years – the NAB weighted dairy export indicator gained 6.8% in August and 21.5% in September.
According to NAB this rise reflects lower than anticipated supply from key exports New Zealand and the European Union. with the bank’s export indicator now standing at AUD3908.70/tonne – five months ago it was below AUD3000/tonne.
Improved auction results are already having some impact at farmgate. This month, Murray Goulburn announced a step-up to $4.46/kg milk solids. While competitors’ farmgate prices are generally higher (such as Fonterra at $4.75 and Warrnambool Cheese and Butter at $4.80), it offers some scope for any further upside on global markets to be passed on to producers.
Dairy farmers will also be keen to see the predicted bumper winter crop in the ‘silo’ to keep a lid on their feed costs.