With the price of barley straw and wheat straw at approximately £20 per tonne up on the year British Hay & Straw Association President Mike Evison has written to the Farming Press to clarify the state of the market.

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Dear Sir / Madam

At a recent meeting of the Association the shortage of straw was discussed in depth and as usual with severe shortages, there has been a combination of events which have exacerbated the situation.

It was generally agreed the overall yield of straw from the last cereal crop harvest was a third down on the normal average. This was caused by poor growing conditions and the situation was made worse with prolonged wet periods during harvest. The consequence of this was that many farmers who usually lay down straw to be baled decided to chop as the likelihood of having it baled quickly was remote.

Unfortunately, the above situation was not helped by an increasing demand for straw over the last two or three years. There are now 4 power stations requiring nearly a million tonnes of straw and demand from the continent has steadily increased in recent years.

Many of our members supply straw on contract and most of those attending felt they would for fill their obligations – however they have very little surplus for the usual winter spot trade.

The conclusion of the meeting was that if the normal straw yield was achieved, supplies would meet demand and the price would stabilise at sensible figures after next harvest. Records over the last 28 years indicated there has only been one other severe straw shortage year.

Mike Evison

President

Straw prices for the week ending February 25, 2018

Merchants’ ex-farm buying-in straw prices (£/t) supplied by the British Hay & Straw Merchants Association. Best barley straw still commanding high prices.