17 June 2011 

After a state of drought was declared in parts of England last week, arable farmers present at the industry event Cereals 2011 were warned that lower yields might mean a scarcity of straw this year. The National Farmers’ Union has estimated this year’s wheat harvest will be 15 per cent lower than the five-year average. The oilseed rape yield is also set to drop by nine per cent. image expired

In the drought stricken Eastern and Southern counties, irrigation restrictions have already been imposed on around 100 farmers; the Eastern Daily Press reported today that restrictions for a further 200 are likely in Suffolk alone this month.

Arable farmers have been urged to bale all available straw this year, including that from oilseed rape to assist livestock producers, who face a derth of bedding, and vegetable growers, who traditionally use straw to protect their over-wintered root crops; vegetable and livestock farmers can ill afford to pay even higher prices for straw, as raw materials costs have risen this year in a number of sectors.

Howard Revell, chair of the NPA’s producer group, said, “There is going to be significant straw deficit in the eastern half of England and we need all arable farmers to go the extra mile to help keep their pig farmer customers in business.”

Projected prices for feed wheat have doubled on last year; a tonne of wheat will be worth £185 in November, compared to £94 at the same time in 2010.

Unions call for solidarity amid France’s straw crisis

In France, a shortage of straw after three dry years has led officials and union representatives to call for solidarity among farmers to use straw wisely and ensure enough is available for those who need it most.

French farming unions are calling for a halt to burning grasses for biofuel and straw grinding until it has been ascertained that farmers have enough stock to last the winter. Famers say that importing straw would be a financial disaster after many have suffered from lower yields due to the spring drought.