Export Fodder

The export fodder industry is a focus of AgriFutures due to its significant contribution to Australia’s agricultural economy and its exposure to global market and supply‑chain risks. The industry supplies high‑quality hay and straw to international livestock markets and has achieved strong growth over recent decades. Increasing trade fragility, changing biosecurity requirements, climate pressures and resource scarcity present ongoing challenges for the industry.

Through targeted research, development and extension (RD&E) priorities outlined in the  AgriFutures Export Fodder Program Strategic RD&E Plan (2021-2026),  AgriFutures supports productivity, profitability and sustainability across the export fodder supply chain, helping the industry maintain market access, adapt to change and deliver premium Australian fodder to global markets

The AgriFutures Export Fodder Program covers a wide range of crop and pasture species produced as hay and straw for export markets.

Leviable export fodder species include:

• Oaten hay
• Wheaten hay
• Barley hay
• Cereal straw
• Lucerne hay
• Vetch hay, and
• Rhodes grass.

These species are grown under both irrigated and dryland systems across Australia and are often integrated into mixed farming enterprises.

AgriFutures’ research investment focuses on improving yield, quality, nutrition, disease resistance and market compliance of these species to ensure Australian export fodder remains competitive and meets the specifications of key international livestock and dairy markets.

AgriFutures collaborates closely with exporters, producers, researchers and industry organisations to guide investment in export fodder RD&E – industry priorities are developed through extensive industry consultation, including surveys, scenario planning and Agrifutures Export Fodder Advisory Panel engagement.

Ongoing collaboration occurs through partnerships with industry bodies, exporters, research providers and other rural research and development corporations. AgriFutures also works with government stakeholders to align priorities and support adoption of research outcomes.

This collaborative approach ensures RD&E investment is industry‑led, relevant and focused on delivering practical, adopted solutions across the export fodder supply chain.

We recommend reading the AgriFutures Export Fodder Program Strategic RD&E Plan (2021-2026) to understand the Program goal, priorities and what kinds of RD&E activities are funded. We also recommend learning about the AgriFutures Export Fodder Advisory Panel.

For ongoing updates – current and past contracted projects, Program updates, project outcomes and extension activities are regularly shared on the AgriFutures website, social media platforms and other official communications channels, with regular industry updates also sent via an opt-in AgriFutures Export Fodder Program email subscription list.

Further research and insights are available from the Australian Fodder Industry Association (AFIA), Australian Exporters Company (AEXCO) and relevant Australian government resources.