SOUTH-EASTERN Australia looks to be heading for a bumper hay season in volume terms, but quality could be a challenge, and ex farm pricing is under pressure. He said the high-grade hay market was positive based on demand from the horse, premium dairy, and pet sectors, and “most of the pain” is in low-grade hay, where more alternatives exist to compete with Australian product. He summarised the export hay market as being “in a good position”, with quality hay attracting reliable demand, and drove home the message generated by customers wanting consistent quality. At Wyuna, Jake Thompson, who farms with his brother Sam, farms 1200ha in irrigation country, growing wheat, barley, and canola, plus oaten and lucerne hay, and corn in summer. National lucerne hay visual award: Mark and Susie Green, Forbes;National lucerne hay feed test award: Alexander family of Haylin, Riverleigh, Qld, with ME of 10.47 and 25.2pc protein.