November edition

About Bale Bites

Bale Bites is a monthly update from the AgriFutures Export Fodder Program that will keep you equipped with the knowledge to make decisions that enhance productivity, profitability, and sustainability of your fodder production.

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Australian articles

In this section, we highlight trusted and relevant work conducted within Australia, reflecting the unique challenges and opportunities faced by our producers.

Transport, storage and traceability

Haystack fires in Australia: Causes and considerations for preventative management

During storage, hay can undergo a process of self-heating known as spontaneous combustion, which has economic and safety complications for the fodder industry. Microorganisms and chemical reactions cause heat to accumulate inside the bale, leading to a reduction in the palatability, digestibility and nutritional value of the hay. Once the temperature rises to 250-260°C, the presence of oxygen can cause the bale to ignite.

There are various factors that can increase the likelihood of hay bales igniting into flames. Growers should be aware of following and take actions to reduce the chance of haystack fires happening:

1. Bale size: the risk of spontaneous combustion increases with bale size because the heat generated cannot dissipate quickly. Ensure you monitor the heat of larger bales and store them in sheds with sufficient airflow.
2. Bale density: High-density bales are more likely to combust than regular bales. Ensure you monitor high-density bales and store them in sheds with appropriate airflow.
3. Environmental conditions: High ambient air temperature and poor air movement favour microbial activity and increase the risk of spontaneous combustion. Select storage areas with lower ambient temperatures and good air flow.
4. Moisture content: greater hay moisture levels at baling increase the risk of spontaneous combustion. For export hay bales, the moisture content must be less than 12%.

Original article: Haystack Fires in Australia: Causes and Considerations for Preventative Management

For more information on spontaneous combustion in hay and how to monitor heating hay, see the Country Fire Authorities Hay Fire Safety page.

For information about measuring the moisture content of export hay, see Feed Centrals guide to Sampling High Moisture Feeds for Feed Analysis.

Sourced from: The Journal of Agriculture
Published: December 2023
Authors: Imtiaz F. Chowdhury, Joseph R. Moore and John C. Broster

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Baling methods

Use of inoculants and preservatives in baling hay

Producing quality, dry hay can be challenging particularly in unpredictable weather conditions. As a result, many growers consider the use of inoculants and hay preservatives to enhance their production processes. The use of inoculants and preservatives can:

• allow for extended baling hours during busy periods by optimising moisture levels
• shorten the time hay spends in windrows, leading to a quicker harvest
• help create a successful yield if unfavourable weather has hindered production
• reduce or prevent mould growth that could compromise hay quality.

However, it is important to consider the following before integrating inoculants into your hay production system:

• Determine if your target market will accept treated hay. Some buyers, including certain chaff mills, export markets, and domestic purchasers, may have restrictions against hay treated with additives.
• Assess the value of your hay crop in relation to the costs involved in setting up an applicator for additives. Understanding your investment will help you make informed decisions about whether to use inoculants.

Original article: Use of Inoculants and Preservatives in Baling Hay

Sourced from: Feed Central, Latest News
Published: October 2024
Author: Neville Janke

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Weeds, pests and diseases

Effects of harvesting and stubble management on abundance of pest rodents (Mus musculus) in a conservation agriculture system

Conservation agriculture practices that use zero-tillage and stubble retention can reduce evaporation and erosion and enhance the sustainability of soils. However, stubble is also a good habitat for mice, and the practice of zero-tillage allows mice to keep their burrows and sources of feed all year round.

A research project undertaken in central NSW examined changes in mouse abundance and movement in response to two paddock-level treatments:

1. Grain harvesting as per normal, with crops approximately 1 m high with near total canopy cover prior to harvest. Following harvest, the stubble remaining was approximately 20 cm high with approximately 30% canopy cover potentially providing some level of perceived safe harbourage.
2. Stubble management – Approximately 2 months post-harvest, farmers used ‘stubble rolling’, with the stubble being laid across the ground to a height of < 5 cm. There was some soil disturbance but not enough to impact mouse burrows.

Unfortunately, the treatments consistently did not reduce the number of rodent populations, and some areas recorded an increase in mouse numbers. Additionally, harvesting did not reduce mouse populations, and many stayed in the paddock.

The researchers suggest that managing mouse populations by reducing food resources after harvest may be more appropriate for conservation fodder systems than stubble management.

Original article: Effects of harvesting and stubble management on abundance of pest rodents (Mus musculus) in a conservation agriculture system

Sourced from: The Journal of Pest Management Science
Published: July 2023
Author: Wendy A. Ruscoe, Peter R. Brown, Steve Henry, Nikki van de Weyer, Freya Robinson, Lyn A. Hinds and Richard P. Duncan

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Risk reduction and WHS

Plan to be safe around hay – Fodder Safety Brief

On 25 October 2024, the Australian Fodder Industry Association (AFIA), in collaboration with their safety partner Safe Ag Systems, released a new Fodder Safety Brief to mark National Hay Safe Day. As fodder is baled, transported, and stored across Australia, the day serves as a vital reminder of the unique dangers associated with working in these environments.

The Fodder Safety Brief released on National Hay Safe Day provides instruction on how to create a proactive safety plan to help you assess potential hazards ahead of time and ensure that everyone stays safe on the farm. A proactive safety plan should cover all aspects of hay handling, from the initial cutting and baling right through to the stacking and storage of bales.

The Brief also provides check lists regarding regular maintenance of machinery and equipment, transport safety, keeping workers safe, preparing for emergencies, and safely storing your product.

Original article: Plan to Be Safe Around Hay: Fodder Safety Brief

Learn more about National Hay Safe Day

Sourced from: Australian Fodder Industry Association, Industry Updates
Published: October 2024
Author: Australian Fodder Industry Association

International articles

In this section, we delve into international research that broadens our perspective and ignite innovative practices that can be adapted to our local context.

 

Nutrient content

Factors affecting nutrient losses in hay production

Researchers from the School of Food and Agriculture, at the University of Maine (North America), reviewed the different management practices that could protect dry matter (DM) during each stage of haymaking. Protecting DM content avoids nutrient loss and can improve the market accessibility and price received for export fodder.

• Mowing: Lowering the cutting height at mowing will increase the DM yield but can also reduce its quality due to greater proportions of fibrous stems and soil contamination.
• Wilting: As nutrient losses increase with drying time, using wider swaths instead of narrower swaths will reduce nutrient losses from hay. However, while swath manipulation can reduce drying time, it can also lower the DM content.
• Baling: The size, density and type of bale influences what moisture content it should be baled at and the extent of DM losses. Increasing ground speed during baling and using larger windrows can help reduce DM losses in the field.
• Storage: DM losses are greatest when twine-wrapped bales are stored outside in direct contact with poorly drained soil. To preserve fodder quality, bales should be protected in pole barns or hoop structures and wrapped in either twine or net.

Original article: Factors affecting nutrient losses in hay production

Sourced from: The Journal of Grass and Forage Science
Published: July 2024
Author: Diego Zamudio, Marjorie A. Killerby, Robert C. Charley, Eric Chevaux, Pascal Drouin, Renato J. Schmidt, Jhon Bright and Juan J. Romero

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Export market insights

World forage import market: Competitive structure and market forces

To understand the structure of global forage import and export markets, a study conducted by the College of Economics and Management at China Agricultural University in 2023 analysed the structure of the global export fodder market and the market power of forage-exporting countries between 1997 and 2020.

• The primary forage-importing countries between 1997 and 2020 were China, Japan and Korea.
• Japan accounted for the majority of global forage imports (82.8%) in 1997, but this decreased to 33.6% in 2020.
• China’s growing demands have increased the market power of the United States of America (USA) and Australia, which are the world’s dominant fodder exporters, accounting for 73% of all global forage exports.
• The USA supplies most of the hay globally and leads alfalfa hay exports, while Australia is a leading supplier of oat grass.

The market power of exporting countries depends on factors such as market development, structure, and demand from importing countries. For exporting countries like Australia, which hold market power, there are opportunities to maximise export profits through diversifying products and enhancing quality.

For more information on the export hay market, see the Feed Central regular market updates.

Original article: World Forage Import Market: Competitive Structure and Market Forces

Sourced from: The Journal of Agriculture
Published: August 2023
Author: Wenxin Wang, Yaowen Liang, Zhuo Ru, Haojie Guo and Bingjie Zhao

We want your feedback

Do you have research you’d like to see featured in an upcoming edition of Bale Bites? Or perhaps you have a suggestion for a research area for the Export Fodder Program? Email our team at . We encourage you to engage with us, share your feedback, and join the conversation. Together, we can strengthen the Australian export fodder industry and contribute to a sustainable future.

Learn more

The AgriFutures Export Fodder Program invests in research which harnesses leading edge technologies to develop competitive advantage in export fodder markets. The Program is focused on continuing to grow export hay production with four key objectives:

• Production of high-quality export-grade fodder
• Continued access to export markets
• Supporting innovation across the supply chain
• Increased adoption of R&D outputs by industry.

Learn more about the AgriFutures Export Fodder Program

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