Episódios
-
In the latest Hay Matters Podcast brought to you by LocalAg and Feed Central, Key Account Sales Manager Alex Smith shares insights from the ground as he travels across the south-eastern states. With southern regions facing dry conditions and Queensland still dealing with the impacts of flooding and beginning their recovery, Alex discusses the shifting dynamics in feed production, market demand, and the value of forward planning.
Key takeaways from the episode:
Widespread silage has already been made, with buyers now selectively sourcing high-quality cereal, vetch, and lucerne hay.The feed trade has flipped again this year, with hay moving from northern and central regions back down to the south.Flooded areas in Queensland are experiencing supply delays, while drought conditions in the south are increasing demand pressure.Quality hay is in high demand, with delivered costs climbing as buyers look further afield.Recent weather events across much of Queensland and Northern NSW have lifted cattle prices due to limited access and uncertainty around pasture recovery. It may take several months before the full impact is known, which is keeping fodder demand in the north relatively low for now. -
Podcast Highlights
In the latest Hay Matters Podcast, brought to you by LocalAg and Feed Central, Jon Paul Driver is joined by cattle producer, advocate and agfluencer Gillian Fennell.
Gillian has spent time serving on industry boards and committees at a local, state and national level, and has a special interest in on-farm succession planning and the impact that it has on farming families and communities.
With over 20 years in the beef industry and a base in one of the most remote parts of Australia, Gillian brings insight and lived experience to this episode, covering everything from succession and farm management to social media, leadership and the realities of modern ag life.
Gillian and her husband operate a family-run cattle station spanning a million acres, running around 5,000 breeders.They’ve recently expanded into fodder production on a newly acquired irrigation block in the Flinders Ranges.Producing their own hay has added flexibility, reduced reliance on freight and provided new opportunities for cattle marketing and logistics. A new hay shed at the home station marks one of their biggest infrastructure investments to date.Gillian discusses how social media—especially Twitter—has become an important space for connection, advocacy, and countering negative perceptions of agriculture.She highlights innovations like no-till cropping and improved chemical use as major steps towards sustainable production.Three core messages for agricultural advocacy are: producers are skilled, already sustainable, and deeply connected to the environment that supports them.Gillian sees succession as less of a legal or accounting challenge and as more of a people problem; it needs to start early, with open and long-term business conversations, not last-minute decisions.Gender dynamics also play a role; many women feel excluded from farm leadership, even when they bring training, ideas, and experience.There need to be more pathways into the Ag industry, beyond university or tech roles—especially for those with strong work ethic and practical skills.Gillian's upcoming podcast "Suck-session" explores succession breakdowns, featuring real stories to help others avoid common pitfalls.
-
Estão a faltar episódios?
-
In the latest Hay Matters Podcast, brought to you by LocalAg and Feed Central, Jon Paul Driver sits down with Megan Ford to discuss her journey in agriculture, the evolution of Feed Central, and the role of women in the industry.
From the early days of building a business while raising a young family to the challenges of expansion and the launch of LocalAg, Megan shares her experiences and the lessons learned along the way.
Tim and Megan started Feed Central with big ideas and a hands-on approach, balancing business growth with raising a young family.Strong family support was essential, with relatives stepping in to help, allowing the business to grow during the tough early years.Business discussions didn’t always happen in an office; late-night board meetings, car conversations, and stolen moments between school runs often shaped key decisions.A major hay shed fire in 2014 was a defining moment, testing resilience and reinforcing the importance of a strong team and community.Women’s networks, including the Queensland Rural Women’s Network and Australian Women in Agriculture, played a key role in providing mentorship, connections, and opportunities for leadership.LocalAg wasn’t an overnight decision; it was shaped by years of conversations with farmers and customers, identifying gaps in the market and building a platform that gives users more control.The introduction of LocalAg reflects a shift in how farmers want to do business, offering more flexibility while maintaining the trust built over decades. -
Podcast Highlights
In the latest Hay Matters Podcast, brought to you by LocalAg and Feed Central, Jon Paul Driver and National Sales Manager Dave Clothier explore the early days of Feed Central's LocalAg and the wider impact it will have on Australian agriculture.
They discuss how extreme weather, from drought and scorching heat in the south to heavy rains and flooding in the north, is reshaping feed supply and market dynamics. Real-time feedback and market adaptability are charting a new course for ag across the country with customers asking for more flexibility and transparency with their purchase decisions.
The platform presents two distinct options: traditional full-service account management and a flexible, direct interaction model.Early feedback indicates that buyers and sellers value the choice to adopt a transaction style that best meets their individual needs.Sellers can now showcase their entire range of offerings with free listings, allowing potential customers to discover additional products and services.Customisable features let users tailor transactions to specific requirements, such as negotiating part truck loads or managing customised deals.Overall, the platform is fostering more direct and transparent communication in the agricultural market, enhancing both efficiency and customer engagement.On the market front, despite extreme weather including drought in some regions and heavy rains in others, buyers are proactively securing quality feed ahead of winter. -
In this episode of the Hay Matters Podcast brought to you by LocalAg and Feed Central, host Jon Paul Driver is joined by Dr Allan Rattey, National Oat Breeder at InterGrain, to explore the future of Australian hay and forage production.
They discuss how cutting-edge technology is accelerating oat breeding, the importance of balancing yield with quality, and why fibre digestibility is a game changer for both sustainability and livestock performance.
Dr Rattey also shares insights into how InterGrain is delivering practical solutions to Australian farmers, including varieties tailored to unpredictable weather and dual-purpose crops that maximise flexibility and profitability.
Breeding times for new oat varieties are now as short as 9-10 years, thanks to innovations like speed breeding and advanced trait selection tools.Fibre digestibility is a key focus, improving both livestock nutrition and sustainability by reducing waste.The integration of new technologies, including drone imaging, has streamlined the process of selecting high-performing crops, helping farmers achieve better results faster.InterGrain bred for speciality Hay and Grain oat varieties. They also heavily select for dual-purpose oat varieties that improve growers in season flexibility to decide whether to harvest for hay or grain, depending on market conditions and seasonal challenges.Curing time is key for hay production, ensuring farmers can work within limited weather windows.Collaboration with farmers and feedback from processors are central to breeding programs, ensuring new varieties deliver real-world value across the industry.InterGrain leads Australia’s barley and oat breeding programs, developing high-yield, disease-resistant varieties that are adaptable to diverse conditions.
-
To start the new year on the Feed Central Hay Matters podcast, Jon Paul Driver sat down with Tim Ford, Director of Feed Central, to pull back the curtain on Local Ag - a bold new marketplace that’s been 22 years in the making. Born from decades of experience, countless conversations with farmers, and a relentless drive to innovate, Local Ag is set to revolutionise how Australian agriculture connects and trades.
Local Ag launches 29th January 2025, offering a fresh and modern way for Australian farmers and agribusinesses to trade hay, grain, seed, fertiliser, livestock, machinery, and more.Built to simplify transactions while keeping them secure, Local Ag combines decades of Feed Central expertise with cutting-edge tech tailored for agriculture.Tim describes the platform as the handshake deal reinvented; buyers and sellers connect directly, chat through the platform, and close deals seamlessly with payment, contracts, and logistics all managed along the way.At the heart of it all is Kev, an AI chatbot who’s part junior trader, part contract genius, and always learning to keep transactions running smoothly. He’s friendly, practical, and distinctly local - just like the team that built him.Kev isn’t just a bot; he’s a tribute to Tim Ford’s late father, a man who brought wisdom, warmth, and a deep love for rural life. That legacy is built into the platform itself.Farmers can build their own profiles, showcase their products, and connect with buyers in a way that feels modern but rooted in trust.Unlike generic marketplaces, Local Ag is designed specifically for rural Australia; it's built to balance the no-nonsense practicality of farming with the convenience of online tools.Every detail has been shaped by 20+ years of Feed Central’s experience, from the AI chat to the quality assurance options and the human support team that’s always a phone call away.Built locally in Toowoomba, Local Ag stands apart from off-the-shelf solutions with tech designed and coded right here in Australia.Local Ag reflects how today’s farmers do business: building their brands, taking control of supply chains, and stepping into the digital world on their own terms.The platform is as much about relationships as it is about transactions. Farmers will be able to connect with buyers, get direct feedback, and build trust in ways that go far beyond selling a product.Whether it’s a small batch of seed, a truckload of hay, or a piece of second-hand machinery, Local Ag will make the process simpler, safer, and more personal.Feed Central isn’t going anywhere. The team you know and trust remains the backbone of this new venture, ensuring continuity for hay services while opening doors to new opportunities.Launching just after Australia Day, Local Ag celebrates the heart of rural Australia: family, community, and innovation wrapped up in one trusted platform.Don't get left behind; register now for early access.
-
Podcast Highlights
In the final Feed Central Hay Matters Podcast for 2024, Jon Paul Driver catches up with National Sales Manager Dave Clothier to discuss the challenges and market shifts faced by hay producers during the 2024 season and what we can expect in the year ahead.
Early in the year, drought cleared stockpiles of low-grade hay, but wet weather later reduced overall production and caused quality deterioration. Strong demand continues, driven by record feedlot numbers and booming beef exports, while the sheep flock declines and the dairy sector remains cautious. Looking ahead, hay prices are expected to rise, with limited availability of high-quality supply for key demand periods. Forward planning is essential as 2025 brings new opportunities and challenges.
The Year that's Been:
Early drought in southern Australia cleared stockpiles of low-grade hay from previous seasons.Variable spring and summer conditions has either reduced hay yields or impacted quality, while frost events produced some high-quality hay in far smaller volumes than expected.Current stockpiles are mostly mid-grade hay, with limited availability of premium fodder needed for the March–April weaning period.Feedlot numbers are at record highs of 1.4 million cattle, with strong confidence feedlots will remain full throughout 2025.Australian beef exports reached a record-breaking 1.3 million tonnes, driven by strong demand from Japan, Indonesia, and the US.Looking Ahead:
National sheep flock is declining due to drought, live export policy changes in Western Australia, and challenging weather conditions across southern production regions.The dairy sector faces reduced milk production, fluctuating weather, and budget pressures, leading to more cautious fodder purchasing decisions.Hay prices are predicted to rise by at least 10% in early 2025 due to limited supply, grower cash flow priorities, and strong demand.Forward contracting is recommended to secure quality hay and manage costs before peak demand periods. -
In the latest Feed Central Hay Matters Podcast, Host Jon Paul Driver talks to Steve Page, Grower Services Manager, about the challenges faced by hay producers during a season marked by wet weather, frost events, and fluctuating market dynamics. Steve, who has recently been on the road visiting growers, shares insights into what the season looked like and the impact of these challenges across Australia.
Southern Queensland and northern New South Wales experienced a wet baling period, resulting in quality deterioration.The Riverina faced frost damage, while Wimmera-Mallee growers shifted to 100% hay production but reported reduced yields.South Australia endured one of its toughest seasons in decades, with little surplus hay available for domestic markets.Of the cereal hay inspected, only 1% achieved FCAA grade, while most fell into high FCB or FCC grades due to weather impacts.Lucerne hay production is increasing as growers shift away from seed due to weak global markets, filling gaps left by a shortage of protein hays.Many growers are storing high-quality hay to sell in early 2025, while FCC-grade hay is being sold to avoid further deterioration.Steve recommends growers monitor their hay quality, wait for the right market conditions, and consider Feed Central’s quality certification services to optimise sales opportunities.
-
Podcast Highlights
In this episode of the Feed Central Hay Matters Podcast, host Jon Paul Driver welcomes Dr. Sabrina Greenwood from CSIRO to discuss the AG2050 initiative.
From farms equipped with digital farming and precision agriculture technologies to systems that provide real-time data optimising everything from soil health to water use, AG2050 envisions a sustainable and technologically advanced future for Australian agriculture by 2050.
CSIRO, Australia’s national science agency known for significant contributions like the invention of Wi-Fi and advanced polymer banknotes, is spearheading this strategic initiative. Dr. Greenwood provides an in-depth overview of AG2050's ambitious goals, designed to reshape farming practices across the nation through innovation and strategic foresight, hand-in-hand with industry partnerships.
AG2050, a strategic initiative within CSIRO’s Agriculture and Food research unit, envisions what Australian agriculture could and should look like by 2050, aiming for sustainability and resilience.In AG2050, hay and other forage-based commodities, influenced by climate factors and groundwater availability, are essential for enhancing productivity across diverse regions.Over 100 community partners were involved in initial AG2050 workshops to discuss major stressors and drivers in their industries, aiding the development of four future scenarios for Australian agriculture.These four scenarios - Regional Ag Capitals, Landscape Stewardship, Climate Survival, and Systems Decline - each provide a different vision of what could happen based on current trends and potential interventions.The ongoing need for community engagement is crucial for refining and implementing strategies that will drive Australian agriculture towards the desired futures outlined in AG2050.If you'd like to get involved, you can visit the AG2050 website.
-
In this market update episode of the Feed Central Hay Matters Podcast, host Jon Paul Driver and Dave Clothier discuss the Australian hay market as the harvest season winds down. They cover how recent weather has impacted hay quality, with a mix of grades now available, and look at the impact on yields in regions like South Australia and Western Victoria. With high demand from the beef sector, and steady prices across most areas, this episode provides timely insights for buyers navigating this season’s unique challenges.
Hay production in Queensland is mostly complete, with limited shed availability there is a higher proportion of paddock stacks.New South Wales and Victoria are nearing completion, although recent rain has affected quality, resulting in variable quality and the majority of sheds now full.In South Australia and Western Victoria, drought and frost have reduced yields by 30-50% compared to last year, causing significant losses for some growers.Recent storms and wet conditions have delayed harvests in the north, leading to bleached, lower-grade hay with thicker stems and higher NDF. Overall, high-quality hay volumes are down, as adverse weather and frost have pushed many high-yielding crops toward grain production instead of hay.High canola prices mean fewer frosted canola crops were turned into hay, contrary to initial expectations.Limited vetch planting this season has reduced supply, driving up demand for lucerne and other protein-rich hays, with prices expected to remain firm.Prices are steady across regions, with FCA grade cereal hay around $250 per tonne, likely holding through Christmas. Many producers are holding back supply in anticipation of stronger demand and firmer prices in early 2025.The beef sector’s demand for hay is strong due to herd growth and export opportunities, while the dairy sector is purchasing more cautiously given the variable hay quality and limited protein-rich options.Buyers are advised to secure supplies now to access the broadest quality selection at stable prices, avoiding potential price increases and compromised quality in early 2025.With high-demand periods likely through the summer and autumn periods, it’s important to factor in both quality and location to optimise the best delivered pricing. -
In the latest episode of the Feed Central Hay Matters podcast, our host, Jon Paul Driver, caught up with Dr. Andrew Walter for a deep dive into agricultural research and innovation. Dr. Walter has extensive experience across government, business, and academia, which has positioned him to lead projects that are reshaping hay production in Australia. His role has included leading the development of Australia's levy system, which funds agricultural research, and his practical experiences with advanced technologies such as AI to improve hay baling schedules and crop management. In addition to agricultural technology, the discussion includes pragmatic strategies that effectively manage carbon while maintaining agricultural productivity.
Australia's cutting-edge agricultural R&D includes the new hay levy, uniquely positioning Australian fodder on the global market through structured research funding that advances practices and sustainability.A detailed comparison between Australia's agricultural technology and global standards shows how Australia’s proactive levy system has been instrumental in driving forward-looking research for over two decades.The Australian Fodder Industry Association (AFIA) effectively consolidates the entire supply chain from seed companies to exporters, ensuring a unified voice in global discussions.Challenges and opportunities in implementing agricultural technology, including AI and automation, are set to redefine farming practices and efficiency.Climate change impacts on agriculture highlight the need for practical carbon management strategies and realistic goals towards achieving net-zero emissions in farming.The future of farming is being shaped by advancements in AI, with current projects utilising AI for precise crop and animal management, marking significant progress in precision agriculture.Despite being misconceived by some as a 'sunset industry', agriculture is vibrant and innovative, playing a crucial role in economic and technological advancement.The dynamics of international fodder markets demonstrate the importance of balancing competitive spirit with cooperative strategies for research and development. -
For the second part of the Feed Central Hay Matters Hay Innovators series, Jon Paul Driver caught up Damon Humphris of Taggr and Gavin Leersen of BaleTime at the recent AFIA Conference. This episode dives into the solutions both innovators have developed to tackle age-old challenges in hay production. Discover how Damon's journey led to the creation of an automated tagging system for hay bales, simplifying the traceability process for exporters. Meanwhile, Gavin introduces BaleTime, a device that transforms hay baling timing with accurate humidity readings, boosting productivity and allowing farmers to manage baling schedules remotely, reducing the need for early morning field checks.
Damon Humphris describes the inception of Taggr’s automated hay bale tagging system, highlighting its role in streamlining the baling process and ensuring traceability for hay exports.Through trial and error, Damon integrated advanced robotics into Taggr, ensuring that each hay bale was tagged accurately and efficiently, setting a new standard in the industry.Damon’s journey through the technological hurdles overcome to develop Taggr included creating an effective tag-feeding mechanism that could withstand the rigors of large-scale farming operations.The idea for BaleTime came to Gavin Leersen while he was timing his sheep shearing; a farmer's offhand remark about needing to know the best baling time led him to harness humidity sensors for precise baling schedules.BaleTime provides farmers with a system to measure ambient and in-windrow humidity, helping them to optimise hay baling times with precision, improving yield quality and reducing unnecessary labour.The monitor operates effectively in areas with poor cellular service by utilising a simple SMS-based system that requires minimal signal, ensuring reliable communication and functionality even in remote locations.With their innovative approaches, Damon Humphris and Gavin Leersen are actively shaping the future of farm management, setting new benchmarks for operational excellence in agriculture. -
In the first of our two-part Hay Innovators series on the Feed Central Hay Matters Podcast, Jon Paul Driver sits down with Louis Kelly, Chairman of the Australian Fodder Industry Association (AFIA), and Bryce Riddell, the creator of HayShepherd, a groundbreaking system for monitoring hay sheds. The conversation covers critical developments from the AFIA conference, new technologies transforming hay farming, and the challenges and opportunities facing the fodder industry in Australia. Bryce Riddell introduces the HayShepherd system, developed to prevent hay shed fires by monitoring temperature changes in stored hay bales.
Louis Kelly talks about the role of AFIA in the hay industry, particularly in driving collaboration between farmers and innovators.Technology and innovation, while often incremental, can lead to significant changes in farm operations over time.Bryce Riddell joins the podcast to introduce the HayShepherd monitoring system, explaining how it was developed to detect temperature changes that indicate a risk of spontaneous combustion in hay sheds.The increasing cost of insurance for hay sheds and technological solutions, like HayShepherd, are now critical for mitigating risk and keeping insurance costs manageable.The hay sector must adapt to both environmental changes and market pressures, and the role technology will play in this transformation.HayShepherd works through sensors placed in the hay shed to monitor temperature variations between bales and the shed’s control temperature, with real-time alerts sent to farmers.The system was initially developed to meet strict insurance demands but has since become a critical tool for large-scale hay operations.The system can scale for use in large hay operations, with sensors spread throughout sheds to pinpoint problem areas. -
Jon Paul Driver catches up with National Sales Manager Dave Clothier for a hay market report and an indepth discussion on the current status of the national hay market ahead of new season. While Southern Queensland has seen good early-season hay production, and early harvesting in New South Wales promises high yields, dry conditions in South Australia and Western Victoria are expected to lead to lowered production. With much of the 2022 hay stock now gone, and high fodder demand, this is the idea time to fill the sheds.
The national stockpile of hay is largely depleted, with existing supplies either committed for domestic use or export. Price stability is expected by late October to early November as the status of the stockpile becomes clearer.In southern Queensland, there's been substantial hay production due to favourable early-season weather. Meanwhile, New South Wales has hay prematurely on the ground, and regions like the Darling Downs are experiencing unusually high yields and early harvests.In contrast, South Australia and Western Victoria face reduced yields due to ongoing dry conditions, affecting overall availability.With grain prices decreasing and cattle numbers on the rise, fodder demand is leading more farmers to turn to hay production to capitalise on the fodder market.Hay is only made for 90 days, but cattle eat 365 days a year, and this is the ideal time to fill sheds with high quality feed in preparation for upcoming demand. -
In this episode of the Hay Matters podcast, Jon Paul Driver talks with Dr. Louise Brown, CEO and founder of Hydgene Renewables. They dive into how hay and fodder are being turned into green hydrogen, revolutionising the way farmers can produce and use ammonia for fertilisers. Louise discusses her shift from academic research to spearheading this innovative startup, focusing on the practical benefits and potential of this technology for the farming community.
Louise transitioned from a career in academia to pioneering a startup that harnesses engineered bacteria to convert biomass into hydrogen.The process not only produces a key ingredient for ammonia but also offers a more environmentally friendly alternative to the traditional methods that rely heavily on fossil fuels.This technology's adaptability for on-farm use could significantly lower fertiliser costs and improve self-sufficiency for farmers.The technology is scalable, with the potential to bring economic and environmental benefits to farming communities.There are a range of opportunities for farmers to collaborate on creating the infrastructure needed to support this new technology, enhancing sustainability and community resilience.
-
In this episode, Jon Paul Driver talks with Thommo, a hay industry veteran who began carting hay for over 62 years ago. Thommo discusses his early days of manual hay baling, his role as a founding member of the Australian Fodder Industry Association, and the technological changes he's witnessed and embraced in his long career. He also shares insights from his international travels and the strong network of relationships he's built across the industry. From his first hand-operated baler to a 50 foot mower to Australia's first Heston baler, join us for a fascinating episode as Thommo recounts the developments he's seen shape modern hay production over six decades.
Thommo started his hay carting career at 14, using a tractor and trailer borrowed from his dad to move hay 30 bales at a time to a location a mile away, and earning himself a shilling a bale. By the time he was 18, Thommo had saved enough money from carting hay to buy a Ford Falcon Ute.His big break came when he secured a major contract to supply 15,000 tons of small square bales yearly to a large feedlot. Despite the challenges, with three trucks and continuous hard work, he managed to make it work, hauling hay from as far as 200 miles away.In the 1980s, the introduction of round rolls and big square bales eased the labour and logistics of moving hay and Thommo's area was among the first in Australia to use the large Heston square balers, leading to a dramatic increase in efficiency and output.Thommo is a founding member of the Australian Fodder Industry Association (AFIA) and prides himself on never missing a conference in 25 years.He believes firmly in embracing new technologies; failing to adapt means getting left behind and staying current is essential for success in modern agriculture.Thommo values the connections he’s made throughout his career, highlighting that the relationships built across Australia, and his six years of work on agricultural boards in Canberra, have been crucial in navigating agricultural challenges.He embarked on a study tour to America about 20 years ago, which altered his initial perceptions of American farmers. The trip included visits to farms and a John Deere factory where he gained significant insights from interactions with both farmers and industry leaders.After the U.S. tour, he extended his travels to England, where his experiences included seeing a 50-foot mower that could mow 1000 acres in a day.Despite the technological advances he saw, there are practical limitations of relying solely on digital solutions in farming, making it a necessity to maintain a balance with both traditional methods and new innovations. -
Tim Ford, Director:
While there has been recent rain, many areas continue to experience a "green drought" with slow grass growth, particularly in the intensive grazing and dairy regions of Southern Victoria and South Australia.Despite some growth stimulated by summer rain, a dry autumn and delayed onset of winter have led to significant feed gaps and strong demand for hay, which has shifted industry dynamics.Historically, intensive dairy areas produced their own silage; however, this year has seen a substantial southward movement of hay from northern Victoria and Southern New South Wales, disrupting established supply chains.Reports indicate a disconnection between hay producers and consumers, possibly due to lost relationships and a general lack of knowledge on how to secure hay supplies, further complicated by changes in business ownership and succession planning.Feed Central has been facilitating the procurement of necessary feed since the 2002 drought, focusing on aligning the right product with customer needs through a detailed six-step process including listing, inspection, grading, testing, and delivery coordination.Dave Clothier, National Sales Manager:
Lucerne prices are coming down slightly to stimulate the market as we head into the colder months.Sheds continue to empty in preparation for the new season, resulting in minimal carryover, which is great for filling with high-quality new season hay.Western Victoria and South Australia have been dry, affecting yields and leading to a big feed gap; recent rains are helping, but spring weather will be critical to watch.Hay is moving from northern and eastern Victoria into these drier areas, with some growers re-sowing due to delayed rain.In Southern Queensland, hay is already on the ground, with conversations happening on early harvests around mid to end of August in northern NSW; longer curing periods will potentially have an impact on quality.Stable hay pricing is anticipated, similar to last year, but dependent on factors including above-average rainfall and the potential for frosted crops affecting volumes.With a bumper grain harvest forecasted, we might see a softening in hay prices, impacting both the hay and export markets. -
Episode Highlights:
Equi-Analytical was launched in June 2004 in response to the equine industry's need for specialised hay and pasture testing. Known for its robust NIR technology calibrations, Equi-Analytical licenses these globally.Equi-Analytical's launch in Australia will benefit the local equine market by reducing testing turnaround times for some services.Hay might be tested for many reasons such as to choose the best feed, or to assess the available feed to determine if supplementation may be required to meet your equine’s nutritional needs. Many metabolic health issues in horses, such as Cushing's Syndrome or Insulin Resistance, can be greatly improved by managing their diet.Hay corers help ensure accurate forage testing by collecting representative samples. They are available for purchase through Feed Central, or to borrow through some nutritionists, pony clubs, and rural stores. In the lab, samples are ground to a 1mm particle size, with only 60ml used for analysis at Feed Central. This highlights the importance of accurate in-lab and on-farm sampling given the small amount tested from potentially large sources.The Feed Composition Library on the Equi-Analytical website is a useful resource to compare forage test results with typical grass and hay profiles, providing a helpful starting point for understanding the numbers.Nutritional requirements will vary based on individual variations such as breed, age, and workload.After testing, it's best to take the results to a vet or nutritionist for advice for your circumstances. Alternatively, you can use nutrition software like FeedXL to import the data and identify dietary needs yourself. -
This week on the podcast, Jon Paul Driver sits down with Shaun Hann, the Manager at Toowoomba Hay Farm, to discuss his firsthand experiences after one of their storage facilities was declared to be in a fire ant zone. Shaun shares how this unexpected challenge has impacted their operations, the new regulations they are navigating, and the practical steps they are taking to remain fire ant free and compliant.
Episode Highlights:
The recent discovery of fire ants just kilometres away from Toowoomba Hay Farm's Oakey storage facility has necessitated a rapid educational and operational response to comply with stringent biosecurity standards.Fire ants, known for their destructive impact on crops and painful stings, represent a significant agricultural and public health threat.Following the identification of a fire ant nest in May, a five-kilometre contamination zone was established around the nest site, placing Toowoomba Hay Farm’s Oakey storage facility within this high-alert area.Fortunately, Toowoomba Hay Farm’s storage facilities already had bitumen and concrete flooring, but has taken additional biosecurity measures, including setting up chemical barriers and updating storage protocols, to prevent the spread of ants.Staff at the facility underwent extensive training and received certifications in fire ant management, ensuring preparedness and compliance with the National Fire Ant Eradication Program and Queensland's Biosecurity 2016 guidelines.Toowoomba Hay Farm has adopted additional safety protocols, including weekly inspections and advanced pest control treatments, to proactively exceed governmental requirements.The ongoing government-led baiting and chemical treatments aim to reduce the spread of the ant colonies, with the storage facility's status remaining in Zone One, indicating continued high vigilance and control efforts.The potential downgrade of the contamination zone from Zone One to Zone Two remains uncertain, which could impact future plans and costs.Visit the Feed Central website for helpful tips on biosecurity, along with training, and certification resources compiled by the team after their experience in a fire ant zone: https://www.feedcentral.com.au/fire-ant-resources/
-
Episode Highlights:
Recent rainfall across the eastern seaboard has had minimal impact on reducing fodder demand.The EOFY is influencing decision making. Some growers are choosing to defer payments and buyers are deciding between filling on-farm storage now or in the new financial year.Demand is high and driven from the south, spreading into the north; all grades are selling well which bodes well for the new season.Beef prices are expected to remain strong for the next few years, supported by exceptional seasons and high livestock numbers in QLD, NT, and NSW. High calving and weaning rates are expected to continue boosting supply on the eastern seaboard.In WA, dry conditions are leading to increased livestock movement to eastern graziers and into abattoirs.While there is still a significant volume of hay available, it is distributed in smaller lots, making it challenging to secure large quantities. All grades are available, but larger lines of quality hay are scarce.The rapid sale of all hay grades, including weather-damaged stock, is setting the industry up for a promising new season. Unlike last year, when quality hay was left on pads due to limited shed space and faced higher risks, the current situation looks much more favourable for the upcoming season.Across the board, hay prices are firm, except for quality cereal grades where prices are rising due to demand. - Mostrar mais
