Hay shortages and price rises expected after flooding wipes out growing regions

Dairy Australia's Hay report has predicted supply shortfalls' and downgrades in quality of hay and fodder across eastern Australia

• Sign up for the Rural Network email newsletter
• Join the Rural Network group on Facebook to be part of the community

Stock feed prices are rising as widespread floods take out key fodder-growing regions in eastern Australia, causing an increase in farming costs that will be passed on to consumers.

According to Dairy Australia, wet weather has hindered usual hay, silage and grain production, with harvesting and processing delayed as fields dry out - if the crop hasn't been destroyed entirely.

Sign up to receive Guardian Australia's fortnightly Rural Network email newsletter