AN Adelaide Plains farmer has been named chair of Australia’s peak fodder body, with his goal to help the industry thrive year-round.

Mallala grain grower Brad Griffiths was named the Australian Fodder Industry Association’s (AFIA) new chair last week after sitting on the body’s board for the last two years.

The AFIA is Australia’s peak body for the hay, silage and straw supply industry.

Improving farmer’s knowledge of hay quality and the value it brings to Australian agriculture is a priority is a priority for Mr Griffiths.

He wanted to grow the profile of the fodder industry and show its role as a useful commodity, regardless of seasonal conditions.

“As fodder growers, we don’t want to be looking towards the next drought to demonstrate the value of our product,” Mr Griffith said.

“As an industry we are constantly working to improve the quality of our product and well-made hay, silage and straw enhances livestock operations and helps them manage risk.”

Mr Griffiths owns and operates his family farm and business at Mallala, which focuses on cropping and domestic and export hay production.

The export hay industry is vital to Australian hay production, growing to more than 1.2 million tonnes a year.

Mr Griffiths said AFIA was committed to assisting the development of this market which has expanded considerably in the past five years.

Outgoing chair Frank McRae said Mr Griffiths’ experience across the fodder supply chain kept him in good stead for the job.

“It is great to see younger industry participants taking on these leadership positions,” he said.

“They are going to guide the industry into its next phase and I’m looking forward to robust discussions around the board table.”

An expected wet spring is set to bring challenges for the fodder industry this year, with growers and contractors keen to make the most of any dry weather windows.

Yields expectations are high, but the flush of spring growth and low national livestock numbers has halted fodder demand.

Brad said this lack of market liquidity meant it was hard to accurately gauge fodder prices and that’s why AFIA’s Hay Report has been such an important business tool for members.

“The report is available nearly every week – distributed to all AFIA members – and it covers prices right throughout the country,” he said.

“If anything happens in the hay market, it’s captured in the report as it includes price ranges, market and seasonal commentary.”