Season 3 Episode 5 - Freight, Fuel & Forward Contract with David Clothier

Season 3 Episode 5 - Freight, Fuel & Forward Contract with David Clothier

From Hay Matters by Feed Central

April 1, 2026 · 20 min · Season 3 · Episode 5

About this episode

Steve Page interviews David Clothier about the current state of freight, fuel, and supply in the agricultural sector as they head into April.

Freight is up. Fuel is tight. And supply is shifting further south. In this episode of Hay Matters, Steve Page sits down with David Clothier to unpack what’s really happening on the ground as we head into April. From recent travel across South Australia and Victoria to conversations with growers and buyers, this episode covers the key forces shaping decision-making right now. In this episode: How recent rain events have disrupted movement and demand Why freight is becoming the biggest factor in pricing decisions Where supply is sitting and how far it needs to travel The growing role of forward contracts in managing risk What’s happening with lucerne, cereal hay and protein opportunities Why vetch is gaining attention heading into the next season Feedlot demand and what it means for northern buyers The outlook heading into winter and beyond Key takeaway: The fundamentals are strong, but distance, cost and timing are everything. Positioning yourself early could make all the difference this season.

People in this episode

Host: Steve Page

Guest: David Clothier

Topics covered

  • freight
  • fuel
  • supply chain
  • forward contracts
  • agriculture
  • pricing decisions
  • market outlook

Keywords

  • freight
  • fuel
  • supply
  • forward contracts
  • agriculture
  • pricing
  • market outlook
  • lucerne
  • vetch
  • feedlot demand

Mentioned in this episode

Products: lucerne, cereal hay, vetch, protein

Places: South Australia, Victoria

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