It looks like straw prices have settled at an average of €25/bale for a 4x4 round bale baled and collected in the field.

The trade for straw is exceptionally strong this year and buyers have moved early to secure supply.

Some farmers have paid higher prices of up to €35/bale (baled) in the field, especially in areas where supplies of straw were limited and demand was high.

Delivery costs typically vary from €10 to €14/bale, depending on distance. However, a lot of the winter barley straw has either been sold now or is in store as spring crop harvesting is well under way.

Livestock farmers have commented that prices are very high this year, but the quality of the straw is excellent.

Larger 8x4x4 bales of straw that should be the equivalent of 2.5 to three round bales are selling from €60 to €80 (baled) in the field.

When delivery is taken into account, prices for these larger bales can be up to €80 to €95/bale, depending on distance. Oilseed rape straw is reported to be trading for €15 to €20 for a 4x4 round bale from the field.

Rushes are still being advertised online as a bedding alternative, with asking prices ranging from €8 to €15/bale (baled).

Hay and silage

Supplies of hay and silage are difficult to gauge. Asking prices for round bales of silage range from €25 to €35/bale, with some as high as €45/bale in the south. Some poorer-quality silage has been conserved this year on land that would usually be too difficult to travel on.

Asking prices for this poor feeding-value silage are €10 to €15/bale.

Round bales of hay have an asking price of €25 to €30/bale, while small square bales are quoted at €3/bale on average.