02 Feb, 2024
Welcome to the first Oaten Hay report from Basis Commodities and BALCO Australia for 2024. We hope you find this information useful and informative for your fodder requirements. History of Oaten Hay Oaten hay has been traded internationally as a feed source from Australia since 1987. It is known by dairy farmers throughout Asia, the Middle East and Australia as a reliable and safe feed which cows will readily eat. By world standards, Australian farming uses low fertiliser and chemical inputs. This is reflected in the quality of Australia Oaten Hay crops. Australia is characterised by long, hot summers and cool, mild winters. Australia produces one winter crop per year. Dry grown Oaten Hay results in lower yields than irrigated crops and promotes high quality crops through stressing the plant. Lower potassium levels in Australian Oaten Hay are important for dairy farmers when formulating feed rations. Low potassium diets fed during the close-up phase help increase the reabsorption of calcium for use in milk production. This helps cover the calcium deficiency the cow has Immediately after calving. The low fertiliser style of farming in Australia produces Oaten Hay low in nitrate nitrogen. The levels in Balco Oaten Hay are well below the accepted cut off point of 500ppm for dairy cows. Reference: Grains Research and Development Corporation.