Straw prices remain low, with farmers selling from the field baled or on the flat, as they try to clear fields for timely autumn cultivations.

Barley and wheat straw remain at €8 to €10 for a 4x4 bale across the country, with Wexford and Tipperary set in the €8 zone. The north and northwest of the country is selling 4x4 barley bales at €11 to €13 each. An 8x4x3 costs €20 to €22/bale and 8x4x4 bales cost €27 to €30/bale and are in greater demand. Small, square, straw bales are making €2. Hay continues to make €18 to €20 for second-cut 4x4 bales, with higher prices of €22 for stored bales. Prices as low as €15/4x4 bale are being traded in the midlands and southeast for very late-cut and poorer-quality bales. First-crop, high-quality hay bales are being advertised for €25 to €28/4x4, with large, stored square bales advertising for €30+. Small squares are trading for €2 to €3.