Lexi Webster
Hay is cultivated and produced all over Australia, with Western Australia producing approximately 48% of the country's exported hay. The most common type of hay produced in the region is oaten hay, which grows best in medium to high rainfall areas of the wheat belt. The quality of hay is directly related to factors such as the stage of growth at cutting, leaf retention, and the use of appropriate equipment. To enhance stem drying, mechanical conditioning is often employed, and proper roller clearance adjustment is crucial to avoid leaf shatter during raking and baling. Soil nutrition and moisture content are also critical factors in hay production, with irrigation water being a significant expense for growers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Best growing region | Western Australia |
| Most common type | Oaten hay |
| Best growing areas for oaten hay | Medium to high rainfall areas of the wheatbelt, including Moora, York, Narrogin, and Wagin |
| Oaten hay cutting period | October to November |
| Lucerne hay cutting period | October to February |
| Grading system | Based on quality and nutritional value, following Australian Fodder Industry Association standards |
| Factors affecting quality | Stage of growth at cutting, leaf retention, use of appropriate equipment, weather conditions |
| Optimum moisture content for baling | Small rectangular bales: no higher than 18%; Large round bales: 14-16%; Large square bales: 12-14% |
| Enhancing stem drying method | Mechanical conditioning using intermeshing, counterrotating rollers |
| Seed cost | Native seed (e.g., Wallaby Grass): $375/kg; Seed oats: $900 for a 2-tonne bulka bag in NSW |
| Irrigation water | Expensive |
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What You'll Learn
- Western Australia is the best growing region, producing 48% of exported hay
- Oaten hay is a common variety, grown in medium-high rainfall areas
- Lucerne hay is cut over a longer period, from October to February
- The quality of hay is related to the growth stage at cutting and curing process
- Hay is graded based on nutritional value and quality, with palatability for livestock
Western Australia is the best growing region, producing 48% of exported hay
Hay is cultivated and produced all over Australia, but Western Australia stands out as one of the best growing regions in the country. This state is a powerhouse in hay production, contributing approximately 48% of the exported hay in Australia.
The climate and soil conditions in Western Australia are particularly favourable for growing oaten hay, which is a popular type of hay in the region. Oaten hay thrives in medium to high rainfall areas, and the wheatbelt region of Western Australia, including areas like Moora, York, Narrogin, and Wagin, provides the ideal environment for its growth. The production process for oaten hay typically involves cutting from October to November to produce the new season's hay.
Western Australia's focus on hay quality has made it a significant player in the export market. The state's attention to the export market has also influenced the domestic market, with consumers benefiting from the increased focus on hay quality. The Department of Agriculture and Food in Western Australia actively supports the National Oat Breeding Program, working to identify oats suitable for hay production in the state. This commitment to innovation and quality assurance contributes to the region's success in hay production.
The oat industry in Western Australia delivers significant economic value, contributing nearly $200 million to the state's economy annually through oats for human consumption and feed. The export of oaten hay from Western Australia averages 48% of Australia's total oaten hay exports, with around 300,000 tonnes exported in 2012/13, valued at over A$88 million. This substantial contribution to the national export market solidifies Western Australia's position as a leading hay-producing region.
The success of hay production in Western Australia can be attributed to a combination of favourable environmental conditions, a dedicated focus on quality, and the economic significance of the oat industry. With almost half of Australia's exported hay originating from Western Australia, the region plays a pivotal role in meeting the global demand for hay.
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Oaten hay is a common variety, grown in medium-high rainfall areas
Oaten hay is a common variety grown in Australia, particularly in Western Australia, which produces approximately 48% of the country's exported hay. Oaten hay is typically grown in medium-high rainfall areas of the wheat belt, with the main production areas being Moora, York, Narrogin, and Wagin. This region near Perth is responsible for a large amount of the state's hay production and exports.
When growing oaten hay, it is important to select a suitable site with well-drained soil and slightly acidic to neutral pH levels, usually between 6.0 and 7.5. Conducting a soil test before planting can help determine nutrient levels and guide fertilizer application. The chosen field should be cleared of any debris or weeds, and the soil should be plowed and harrowed to prepare a fine seedbed for good soil-to-seed contact, facilitating germination.
Seed selection is crucial, and growers should opt for a high-quality oaten seed variety that suits the region's climate and soil conditions. Some varieties may offer resistance to certain diseases or pests. Oaten hay is typically sown in late spring or early summer, but the timing can vary depending on the specific region.
Additional fertilizer applications may be necessary as the plants grow, depending on soil nutrient levels and the needs of the crop. Regular weed control is essential, as weeds compete with oats for nutrients and water. Monitoring for pests and diseases, such as aphids and rust, is crucial, and natural predators, beneficial insects, or suitable pesticides and fungicides can be employed as needed.
Oaten hay is harvested before the oat plant fully matures to maximise its nutritional value. The ideal harvest time is when the grain is in the "milky" stage, and the lower leaves start to turn brown. After cutting the plants, they are left to dry in the field for several days before being baled and stored in a dry, cool place with good air circulation to prevent mould growth.
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Lucerne hay is cut over a longer period, from October to February
In Australia, Lucerne hay is a very common variety of hay used to feed livestock such as cattle, horses, and goats. It is sourced from the Medicago sativa plant and is also known as alfalfa hay. It is often used for silage, cover crop, green manure, and grazing.
The process of cutting, drying, and stacking hay is typically done with specialized machinery. After being cut, the hay is mechanically conditioned to enhance stem drying and reduce leaf shatter during raking and baling. This is done through a set of intermeshing, counterrotating rollers that crush, bend, or break stems to allow moisture to escape.
Once the hay is dry, it is stacked into large square bales or round bales and stored in large sheds. The quality of Lucerne hay is graded based on the Australian Fodder Industry Association standards, which take into account the hay's nutritional value and fibre content.
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The quality of hay is related to the growth stage at cutting and curing process
The quality of hay is directly related to the growth stage at cutting and the curing process. The curing process is the transition from freshly cut, high-moisture grasses and legumes to dry forage. This process takes around three days in good weather. Hay should be cut at the late bud to early bloom stage to ensure the highest protein content and digestibility. The curing process is crucial for preserving the quality of the hay and preventing mould growth.
To reduce losses and improve hay quality, it is important to cut the hay as early as possible in the season. At the time of harvest, growing plants contain approximately 75-80% water. When the plant is cut, it continues to respire until the water content is reduced to about 40%, or 60% dry matter. To reduce losses, the rate of drying can be increased, especially for the stems. The most common method of enhancing stem drying is mechanical conditioning, which uses a set of intermeshing, counter-rotating rollers to crush, bend or break stems, allowing moisture to escape more easily.
The curing time can be reduced by 30-40% by tedding, or spreading, the hay within a few hours after mowing. Tedding allows for more even and quicker drying, reducing the risk of rain damage. Raking can also be used to enhance uniform drying. Hay should be raked at a moisture content of above 30% to minimise leaf shatter.
The moisture content of hay is crucial to its quality. Hay should be baled with a moisture content of no higher than 18% for small rectangular bales, 14-16% for large round bales, and 12-14% for large square bales. To test if the hay is dry enough, the "twist test" can be used. If the stems break easily, the hay is cured, but if it bends, it is not. Hay that is overly dry will be dusty and lower in nutritional value.
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Hay is graded based on nutritional value and quality, with palatability for livestock
Hay intended for cattle is assessed using a relative feed value (RFV) system, with a value of 100 indicating good-quality alfalfa hay. The higher the RFV, the better the quality of the hay for a ruminant's digestive system. Hay is also graded on its appearance, with good-quality hay being good-smelling, soft, and leafy. The colour, aroma, taste, and texture of the hay are important factors in determining palatability for livestock.
The quality of hay is influenced by several factors, including the stage of growth at cutting, leaf retention, the use of appropriate equipment, and weather conditions. To produce higher-quality hay, farmers aim to cut the hay as early as possible in the season. However, some quality loss is inevitable during the curing and harvesting process. Mechanical conditioning is commonly used to enhance stem drying and reduce leaf loss during raking and baling.
In Australia, hay is often graded based on the Australian Fodder Industry Association standards. Oaten and lucerne hay are favoured for their fibre content, energy value, and palatability for ruminants such as cattle, deer, sheep, and goats. Oaten hay is particularly popular as fodder for dairy cows. The production of oaten hay typically involves cutting from October to November, while lucerne hay is cut over a longer period, from October to February. Western Australia is a prominent hay-growing region, contributing approximately 48% of the country's exported hay.
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Frequently asked questions
Western Australia is one of the best regions in the country for growing hay, producing approximately 48% of the exported hay in the country.
Oaten hay is one of the most common types of hay produced in Western Australia. It grows best in medium to high rainfall areas of the wheat belt, with the main production areas being Moora, York, Narrogin, and Wagin.
First, you need to sow a native seed, such as Wallaby Grass, or a bulka bag of seed oats. Fertilizer is usually put out with the seed to ensure there are sufficient nutrients available for the seeds to grow and become established plants. Then, you need to pray for the right amount of rain to enable your paddock to grow. Finally, the hay is usually mechanically cut and conditioned, then dried in the field before being stacked up with specialized machinery.
