ACCORDING to the latest Hay Report from the Australian Fodder Industry Association, there is “nothing driving prices down”, but there may be lucerne stores in South Australia that may be released soon.
In Gippsland, cereal hay and lucerne hay are + 20 ($350 to $540/t, and $480 to $610/t respectively), whilst staw is + 25 ($190 to $320/t) and pasture hay + 30 ($300 to $450/t).
The outlook is pretty dismal as Victoria’s State Government announced this afternoon that its Drought Package has been extended to farmers statewide.
The decision follows advice from Agriculture Victoria who, according to the Government, have indicated that rainfall in May realised the worst-case scenario that had been projected at the start of the month.
Though the Bureau of Meteorology is predicting rainfall to be within the typical winter range with warmer than usual winter maximum and minimum temperatures across the state, it has been noted that the latest rainfall for May is 20 per cent or less than the average rainfall, and is expected to continue into June.
In addition to the Drought Support Package, which has been increased for south west Victoria, the program has been expanded to include water carting activities and pasture re-establishment across the state.
Furthermore, all primary production properties will be capped in the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund contribution to the same amount that was paid in 2024-25, meaning properties will remain at 28.7 per cent of the ESVF variable rate.
The Government has also announced that a dedicated task force has been established that will deliver a further package of support in the coming weeks.
The announcement comes as the Australian and New Zealand Council for fire and emergency services announced a heightened risk of fire for southern Australia extending from western South Australia’s coast through to Wilson’s Prom in Victoria.
If there is any upside to the miserable conditions for farmers then the drought has reduced fire risk in pasture and crop landscapes, but the abundance of dry material in grass and forest vegetation in Victoria has authorities and firefighters on high alert elsewhere.
“We don't normally think of winter and bushfire together in southern Australia. The prolonged drought conditions mean that communities across parts of Victoria and South Australia may see more activity than normal for this time of the year,” AFAC CEO Rob Webb said.
"Fire authorities will monitor the landscape conditions and climate influences closely this season to manage bushfire risk and identify opportunities for mitigation activities such as planned burning.”
Acting Country Fire Authority Chief Officer Garry Cook AFSM echoed the sentiments.
“The lack of rainfall and dry vegetation across many parts of the state is a great concern for firefighters this time of the year and we’re asking people to remain vigilant and not become complacent just because we’re not in summer anymore,” Cook stated.
"While cooler days are arriving, the landscape remains dry enough to allow fires to start and spread quickly if a burn-off gets out of control, especially when coupled with strong winds.
"The impact and damage of an escaped fire on local communities and emergency services can be devastating.”
