Harvest 2018 is under way as the warm weather brings forward winter crops to make them ready for cutting earlier than usual. Straw prices are off to a strong start, as livestock farmers move early to secure supplies. Some deals have already been made and some existing straw customers have paid a deposit to protect supplies.
Harvest 2018 is under way as the warm weather brings forward winter crops to make them ready for cutting earlier than usual.
Straw prices are off to a strong start, as livestock farmers move early to secure supplies. Some deals have already been made and some existing straw customers have paid a deposit to protect supplies.
Prices for 4x4 round bales of straw are currently ranging from €15 to €22/bale collected in the field. The lower prices represent deals made between tillage farmers and long-term regular customers.
Some farmers paid up to 50% of the cost of bales to secure those prices, but, more importantly, supply.
Large 8x4x4 straw bales are making up to €60/bale in the field (baled), but, again, some price reductions have been secured for long-term customers. Smaller 8x4x3 bales are making up to €45/bale (baled).
It is difficult to gauge where prices will settle until we are further into the harvest and more deals are done.
Haulage prices to the west will range from €6 to €10/bale, depending on the type of bales and distance travelled.
Yields of straw will vary this year, with winter crops likely to produce normal straw yields. On the other hand, straw yields for spring crops are set to be back on previous years as the lack of moisture affects growth. Straw yield from some crops are likely to be down by as much as 50%.
Straw prices are well ahead of previous years, where round 4x4 bales made as little as €7/bale in the field.
The increase in prices is arising from a combination of factors. There is little or no carryover of supplies from last year, as sheds were cleaned out over the extremely long winter. A poor harvest last year reduced supply and straw was not baled.
Plantings have reduced this year because of difficult weather and the swing to forage crops. More farmers are also buying straw to incorporate into winter feeding supplies. Where straw is just used for bedding, there are alternatives, such as wood chip, saw dust and peat, which can be used.
Baling costs
The Association of Farm Contractors in Ireland (FCI) has outlined the average contracting prices for baling straw (see Table 1). Prices are all excluding VAT.
According to the survey, the cost of baling 4x4 round bales is €4.50/bale on average, while it costs €9/bale for 8x4x3 bales.
Rushes
Some resourceful farmers have advertised bales of rushes for sale at €8 to €12/bale for 4x4 round bales.
There is no denying the current spell of weather has made for ideal conditions to cut fields of rushes, but it is unlikely the supply will make an impact on straw prices.
Hay prices
Sellers are asking €24 to €30 for 4x4 round bales of hay. Asking prices in excess of €30/bale are also being quoted for good-quality hay. Small square bales remain steady at €3 to €4/bale.
Supply of hay is very strong this year and will be on the increase as GLAS traditional hay meadows are coming on stream.
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