Teagasc says dairy producers are purchasing Spanish straw

The 2025 Harvest report came out this week and, in that report, Teagasc stated that at present 8x4x3 bales of Irish wheaten straw are making about €45-50/bale.

The report stated: “Imported straw from Spain is commanding a premium price from dairy producers who are using it in total mix rations. However there seems to be little appetite to pay similar prices for native straw even where quality is similar.”

The report said that while the Straw Incorporation Measure “has led to some frustration among buyers” the measure did not seem to impact on prices in 2025.

Teagasc said: “While some growers did withdraw from the scheme before harvest, most didn't.”

The report noted: “In general, demand at harvest time was slow, prices for a 4x4 bale fell by about €5 per bale in the main grain growing areas to between €20-25. Higher yields of straw from the larger areas of winter crops planted probably fed into the lower prices compared to 2024.

"The SIM is generally used to chop lower value oaten straw which has only a limited effect on the market. 8x4x3 bales of wheaten straw are currently available for between €45-50.”

The importation of Spanish straw while Irish straw remains unsold is disappointing from many points of view.

Firstly, importing from other countries carries biosecurity risks of weeds and pests.

We often hear about blackgrass and other grass weeds that are difficult to control in tillage crops. Dairy farmers should also note that if a weed like blackgrass gets into their grassland it will also be difficult to control and could take over swards and reduce quality.

Animal feed

Besides this, we need a tillage industry in Ireland for animal feed and straw and, if it isn’t supported, then there will be no native supply of these products. In times of grain shortage around the world like 2018, Irish grain and having a native grain supply is invaluable.

If the wider sector does not purchase Irish tillage products, then farmers will go out of business and if livestock farmers import straw from other countries which carry a biosecurity risk, then this could also put tillage farmers out of business if weeds become out of control.

You can view the harvest report here.