A major shortage of straw is looking increasingly likely for livestock farmers this autumn.

With harvesting of winter crops to begin next month, several arable farmers have already received orders from regular clients.

Initial reports are that prices of £17 to £20 per 4x4 bale have been quoted for straw sold directly out of the field to regular customers.

New clients could be facing higher prices of £20 to £22 per bale ex-field. Haulage would add another £1 to £3 per bale thereafter.

Last year, barley straw from winter crops was sold direct from the field at prices of £12 to £16 per bale, depending on location.

South of the Irish border a similar situation is developing. After a 19,000ha reduction in the area of winter cereals planted in 2017, and delayed spring planting, the expectation is that up to 1m fewer bales will be made in 2018.

As a key supplier of straw to NI farmers, a potential shortage in southern Ireland will have a significant impact on local prices.

Early price reports for Irish straw are typically around the €20/bale mark, although some reports have prices in the high €20s.

With spring crops extremely variable, the general consensus points to straw yields being significantly lower than in previous years.

Reserves of straw around the country are depleted after the prolonged winter and poor spring period.

Forward buying

There are reports that some agents who trade straw are forward-buying stocks, with the intention of holding until midwinter in anticipation of higher prices on offer then.

In Britain, straw is also expected to be a valuable commodity, especially in Scotland where the lack of rainfall in May and June has also stunted spring crops.

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