Recent rains across South Australia have provided a “textbook start” to the hay cropping season, says Balaklava-based hay exporter Balco.

 

“All cropping areas received a much needed dose of rain in the past week or so which was welcome news for farmers who are busy preparing for the sowing season,” Balco’s Managing Director Malcolm May said.

 

“With many farmers either now sowing or fertilising, with some already having planted, these first rains came at an ideal time.

 

“The rains provide much needed moisture and mineralisation of soil nitrogen which improve cropping conditions.

 

“We are definitely not getting ahead of ourselves, but the early rains have put hay farmers on the front foot this season.

 

“It terms of timing, it’s a textbook start. However, it’s just the beginning so let’s hope there is more rain to come in the coming weeks and months.”

 

Mr May said the track record of hay had it high on the rotation agenda this season with the company expecting to export around 150,000 tonnes this year.

 

“Balco will be looking for as much hay as it can source from growers this year to satisfy strong overseas demand, particularly from Japan,” he said.

 

“We are also focussing on growing our market in Korea, Taiwan and China, where we see exciting opportunities.

 

“Our initial discussions with growers indicate that hay will be a popular crop this year particularly given the experience of last season.”

 

Mr May said those farmers that cut early for hay in September and October last year were rewarded, while many who held out longer for grain were let down by the absent spring rains.

 

“Hay has proven time and time again to be a reliable performer bringing in a stable income for farmers when adverse conditions are making it extremely tough on the land,” he said.

 

Balco has a reputation as a reliable international supplier of high quality oaten, cereal hay and straw particularly in the Asian region.

 

With a large grower base across South Australia and Western Australia, Balco sells approximately one fifth of the hay exported Australia-wide.

 

South Australian hay is delivered to Balco’s processing facility at Bowmans where it is packed ready for export while West Australian hay is delivered to Balco’s facility at Brookton.