Dairy Australia - Weekly grain and hay report for Australia’s dairy farmers
Published:December 13, 2006
Source :Dairy Australia
Australia’s dairy farmers now have an independent weekly grain and hay report to help them with their feed purchasing decisions.
Organised by Dairy Australia and funded by the Dairy Service Levy, the report is prepared using the combined resources of independent analysts Australian Crop Forecasters and the Australian Fodder Industry Association.
Announcing the weekly service, Dairy Australia’s manager strategic analysis Joanne Bills said: “The service will give dairy farmers a good summary of availability and prices for grain and hay in their region.”
With an average-sized herd of around 250 cows costing up to $5000 per week to feed, depending on how much pasture they’re getting, Ms Bills said: “Dairy farmers need to have the best available information to help them feed their cows. With this service, they can now see exactly what’s happening to grain and hay prices in their region.
“The prices that farmers actually pay will most likely differ because of freight differences and, particularly for hay, quality differences as well. Nonetheless, we expect the report on the prices paid during the past week, and likely availability, will be a valuable tool for farmers as they prepare their feed budgets and plan for the weeks ahead.”
The weekly report is part of the industry’s drought response, covers 15 regions across Australia, and provides national as well as regional overviews. The report is available every Friday on Dairy Australia’s website (www.dairyaustralia.com.au). Many commercial radio stations in dairy regions are broadcasting the report every Monday morning at 6:55 am and repeating it in their lunchtime programs. Dairy companies will also be making the report available to their suppliers.
Dairy farmers who would like the report emailed directly to them can contact Dairy Australia.
