Demand for straw rises as spring approaches

Demand for straw rises pre-Spring

With spring calving and lambing moving closer, reports suggest there has been an increase in straw purchasing by livestock farmers in NI.

In general, prices are similar to the end of last year, with local cereal growers advertising 4x4 round bales of barley straw from £25 to £28 collected in the yard.

Barley straw from local farms in 8x4x3 square bales is available from £60 to £70, with wheat straw generally selling for £5 to £10 less.

Straw importers are selling full loads of English straw in high-density bales for around £85, although most of these deals are on a per-tonne basis.

There is much more straw available from the Republic of Ireland, with deals for full loads of barley straw in 8x4x3 bales being done in the mid £60s. Wheat straw from the south in 8x4x3s can generally be bought in the high £50s or low £60s.

CSL wins DAERA training contract

Countryside Services Limited (CSL) has been awarded a 3-year contract to deliver key knowledge-transfer elements of the Farming for Sustainability Scheme.

Working with CAFRE, the UFU-owned company will provide face-to-face training and facilitate themed peer-to-peer groups.

The first training to be delivered by CSL will be associated with the Soil Nutrient Health Scheme. Booking information is available on both the CAFRE and CSL websites.