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Feed Grain and Fodder Availability
The Australian Government recognises that the continuing drought has created significant uncertainty and is forcing Australian farmers to make difficult decisions regarding stock management.
A below average winter grain crop in 2007 has resulted in continuing pressure on feedgrain supplies. Good sorghum crops in the summer of 2007-08 have provided some relief to grain users, but overall grain stocks remain at historically low levels. This has resulted in grain price increases, which have substantially increased the cost of production in grain-using industries. Ironically, failed winter crops can have the effect of boosting fodder supplies.
In response, DAFF has been working with industry organisations and other government agencies on a number of fronts to provide relevant and timely information to feed users and suppliers to assist their decision making during this difficult period.
The information presented on this webpage aims to provide users of feed with access to broad, up-to-date data on supply and demand estimates, and includes links to:
- Estimates of domestic grain stocks, collected by the ABS.
- Updates from Biosecurity Australia and the AQIS regarding the latest assessments of countries from which grain and other stock feed may be imported.
- Various industry and state representative farming organisations that have established specific feed grain/drought information portals.
- Updates of latest grain and fodder supplies and demand as reported by ABARE.
DAFF will continue to consult closely with industry and other relevant agencies to ensure stakeholders are informed of any developments on the availability of feed in Australia including any importation of feedgrain.
Australian Bureau of Statistics
DAFF has facilitated ABS surveys of off-farm grain stocks held by bulk handling companies and grain traders in Australia. Funding is being provided by the Livestock Feedgrain Users Group and the Grains Research and Development Corporation. View the latest estimates.
ABS data provide important information to grain users on how much grain is currently being held by the major storage operators in Australia. We anticipate these surveys will be provided in late November and late April.
Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics
ABARE releases the Australian Crop Report four times a year. The Australian Crop Report provides a consistent and regular assessment of crop prospects for major field crops, estimates of area, yield and production and a summary of seasonal conditions on a state by state basis. If seasonal conditions deteriorate rapidly then ABARE provides additional crop reports as needed.
DAFF also commissioned ABARE to undertake a survey of dairy farms in 2007 reporting on feed supplies and drought management issues.
The domestic grain data provided through ABS and ABARE, should assist the livestock industries in developing strategies to manage drought, including decision making regarding the flow of grain into and within Australia.
Biosecurity Australia and AQIS
Biosecurity Australia assessments for imported grain from priority countries recommended AQIS permit imports for sources including – wheat and rye from Canada; wheat from the UK; maize and sorghum from certain states of the USA; maize, sunflower, sorghum, soybean and wheat from Argentina; soybean from Brazil and Paraguay and maize, sorghum, sunflower, wheat (Odessa region only) from Ukraine. No countries have been assessed as suitable sources for the importation of hay and straw into Australia.
Permit conditions also exist to import some feedstuffs assessed as manageable quarantine risks. These include – soybean meal from the USA, Brazil, Argentina and Malaysia; palm kernel meal from PNG, Indonesia and Malaysia; copra meal from a number of Pacific Island countries, Indonesia and the Philippines; corn gluten meal from China and the US; corn gluten feed pellets from the US; stock feed pellets from New Zealand and Indonesia; tapioca pellets from Thailand; millrun from PNG and Fiji; and sugar beet pulp from the UK and USA. To import genetically modified whole grain and oilseeds, permission must be obtained from the Office of the Gene Technology Regulator in addition to AQIS.
For the most up to date information on permits, conditions or quarantine requirements, please contact AQIS.
Industry Bodies
There are a number of significant primary industries that are affected by the availability of stock feeds in Australia. In response to the continuing drought some peak industry bodies have put together information and advice relevant to the use of stock feed in their industries.
- Australian Pork Limited
- Dairy Australia
- Meat and Livestock Australia
- Australian Lot Feeders Association
- Australian Chicken Meat Federation
- Grain Council of Australia
- Grain Growers Association
Industry Representative Bodies
Victorian Farmers Federation
The VFF has established a service to facilitate communication between farmers regarding feed needs and availability. Grain or hay for sale and available agistment or cow parking can be advertised on the Victorian Drought Support website, through which feed users can make contact with sellers.
Stock Feed Manufacturers’ Council of Australia
The SFMCA represents feed milling companies throughout Australia. SFMCA members manufacture over 4,900,000 tonnes of feed annually; this is principally feed which is supplied to commercial poultry, pig, beef, dairy, sheep, horse and aquaculture.
Australian Fodder Industry Association
The Australian Fodder Industry Association lists hay for sale from all around Australia to assist farmers with locating available fodder.
Drought Relief Measures
The Australian Government is supporting drought affected farmers, rural communities and agriculture-dependent small businesses through income support, interest rate subsidies and free counseling. More information on Australian Government Drought Assistance or call the Drought Assistance Hotline on 13 23 16.
State and Territory drought contacts
There are drought contacts for each State and Territory government, including general drought information and information regarding Exceptional Circumstance Interest Rate Subsidies.
Feedgrain and fodder information
Similar to that of the industry versions above, the NSW Department of Primary Industries also updates a fodder register to assist NSW farmers.