In this first of a two part series of Hay Matters, Steve Page speaks with Wade Alexander from Mundubbera, Queensland - the winner of the Queensland Visual Lucerne Hay Award and the National Dual Visual Award.Wade shares his journey from growing up on a poultry farm to becoming a lucerne hay producer. After floods devastated his family’s property in 2013, Wade rebuilt with a new focus on irrigation and hay production, leaning on his engineering background to master the machinery and systems needed to survive.Key Topics Covered:Wade’s shift from poultry and cattle to lucerne hayThe role of irrigation bores and Mundubbera’s unique conditionsMachinery choices: from round balers to big square balesBuilding a customer base and working with Feed CentralWeather challenges in Queensland and how Wade manages risk in hay productionUsing inoculants and moisture management to maintain hay qualityThe importance of off-farm income and contracting to spread financial riskForward planning, financial management, and why storage doesn’t always equal “money in the bank”Wade’s mindset on risk, resilience, and what keeps him motivated each morningWhy Listen?This episode is full of practical insights for farmers navigating hay production and trade - from managing machinery and weather challenges to making financial decisions that reduce risk. Wade’s story is a testament to resilience, innovation, and the value of producing quality hay that customers can trust.Next Episode (Part 2): Wade will share how he manages disasters, his lucerne planting cycle, and future plans for his farming operation.

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