The harvest conditions last year have led to a rise of around £50/tonne for straw in Scotland, according to a report published this week.

Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) published the report that was commissioned by the Scottish Government to assess the effects of the harvesting conditions in 2017 on straw and forage availability.

It details substitutes for straw, including the use of alternative bedding and the implications of sourcing it as well as the use of slatted accommodation.

NFU Scotland president Andrew McCornick said: “This report from SRUC is a significant part of the puzzle in terms of how we look to adapt to poor weather and will certainly be something we will look to in the future to advise members.”

However, chair of NSA Scotland John Fyall believes that the report does not bring any benefit to farmers.

He said: “Straw was dear because straw was dear. Anybody in a rural pub could tell you why. But I’m sure many farmers will sleep better at night knowing why the straw was the price it was.”