Rising reservoir levels have also pushed down the price of temporary water, so anyone growing fodder will be able to give the spring pastures a boost.
But a wetter spring will make timing crucial in getting hay properly cured before it is baled.
Agriculture Victoria dairy extension officer Sarah Clack said the season got off to a false start with an early break in March that never developed.
The false break meant that some broadacre crops struggled to get established while some irrigators delivered water to top up the meagre rainfall.
Ms Clack said the real break arrived in May and was followed by good rainfall in June and July.
The better winter rains and the prospect of good spring rains (and fewer frosts with milder temperatures) meant that fewer cereal crops were likely to be converted to hay this season.
Agriculture Victoria's 12 climate models were predicting a slightly wetter and warmer spring.
But more rain also means timing for hay-making is crucial.
“More rain means that curing of hay and silage can take longer. So farmers need to be aware of the weather forecasts so they can time their cutting and hay-making appropriately.”
To capture the maximum energy and protein from the grass, timely conditioning and tedding would hasten the curing process.
“It's a good idea to ensure that hay reaches an 85 per cent dry matter level before it goes into the haystack, otherwise you risk a fire,” Ms Clack said.
“It's also worth checking that insurance is up-to-date so that your hay is covered.”
Lower water prices mean more fodder producers will be applying irrigation water to boost crop growth.
Ms Clack said farmers would be considering the expected dry matter yield per megalitre to work out the agronomic needs of the crop.
“Judging the right timing is important; so by monitoring weather forecasts you can make sure that the paddocks will remain trafficable. You don't want to get mud in the hay, or particularly with silage as that could spoil it.”
Agricultural scientist Kate Burke said dairy farmers could make the most of a good season by conserving fodder.
While hay prices may be subdued due to the flat overseas market, there was an opportunity to fill the haysheds following a good spring and with cheaper water prices.
“The only risk for fodder producers may be trying to find a good market for it, if they are trying to sell,” Dr Burke said.
21°C