A recent fodder sale at Thainstone Mart saw 629 round bales, the majority of which were hay but there was also some straw, on offer to farmers. There was a strong demand on the day with 2017-season straw selling for £15/bale while 2018-season straw sold for £18/bale. Hay sold for £28.50/bale. Many farmers were using it to see where the prices of straw would open at amid fears of rising prices.

The reports of arable farmers turning off the choppers right across the country will come as good news to livestock farmers as more straw gets baled. However, with straw yields of spring crops expected to be well back farmers are still waiting to see the true extent of the reduction in straw. Another sale of straw will take place on 17 August with over 230 bales of straw on offer along with over 450 bales of hay.