China disruption to cut hay plantings

THE GENERAL manager of a major hay exporter has said disruptions with the Chinese market has meant his company is recommending its growers ease back on their hay programs this season. China has no official sanctions on the receival of Australian fodder products, but a number of key exporters that were due to have their export accreditation renewed in February have been unable to get the paperwork through, meaning there is an effective shutdown on shipments to the Asian giant. Munro Patchett, Gilmac, said that while China was not Australia's major export fodder market, it was significant and that the shutting down of the market would have a domino effect. "You would expect that those businesses that do a lot with China will look to get back into more traditional Australian fodder markets such as Japan and South Korea," Mr Patchett said. "With plenty of fodder still around and lower demand it is not hard to see prices coming back pretty sharply for this year," he said. However, he ...