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Straw prices have remained stable but demand has increased after a spell of broken weather, tillage farmers report.
With wheat and barley harvesting carried out during breaks in wet weather, many farmers opted to chop straw instead of baling.
This has led to a notable reduction in availability and in turn is causing an increase in demand.
Northeast
Noel Sheridan a tillage farmer in Co Meath told the Irish Farmers Journal: “A lot has changed in the past three weeks, straw has become scarce due to the bad weather. A lot of the straw we thought we would have, ended up chopped leaving the number of bales made lower than expected.
“The demand has increased in the past week and luckily we are back to baling high quality straw. We are harvesting wheat at the minute and a lot of the straw off this harvest will go for composting.”
A tillage farmer in Co Louth told the Irish Farmers Journal recent bad weather has scuppered much of his harvest, with a notable reduction in the quantity of bales he has to sell.
Midlands
One tillage farmer in Co Offaly noted: “Demand has picked up recently, we sell our straw to farms all over Ireland. The broken weather has brought about a higher demand for good quality straw with 8x4x3 bales making around €45.”
Northwest
In contrast, Donegal tillage farmer Peter Lynch said: “Demand for straw has remained much the same with prices showing no huge fluctuation.
“Our winter wheat and spring oat crops are doing well, with initial harvest being on the lighter side.”
Steady price
Prices have remained stable with tillage farmers quoting on average €12-€18 for round bales, €35-€40 for 8x4x3 bales, and €45-€50 for 8x4x4 bales.
This time last year, due to exceptionally high demand caused by the drought, farmers were paying on average €28 for round bales, €40-€50 for 8x4x3 bales, and €60-€75 for 8x4x4 bales.
A large variation in prices remains between regions, with lower prices available in tillage strongholds where supply can be higher. All prices quoted above are standard in field prices and may not apply to long-term customers.
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