The Irish straw market is potentially facing a shortfall of over three million bales, based on the latest estimates from the industry indicating a halving of supplies.

IFA tillage chair Mark Browne has said a combination of dry conditions and a reduction in winter crop plantings of over 40% are sure to result in a severe decrease in straw supply. Browne said: “It is estimated that barley straw availability will reduce by 300,000t and wheaten straw by 200,000t compared to last year. This is almost a 50% reduction in supply.”

Based on an average weight of 150kg for 4x4 straw bales, there could be 3.3m fewer bales available from harvest 2020.

Teagasc is predicting a more moderate fall in straw yields. It says straw yield may fall by close to 25%, with an estimated 1.6 million fewer bales available in the country this year.

Mixed crop status

However, the status of crops across the country is mixed and the likelihood is that there will be significant regional variations in straw availability.

In areas that have seen the most challenging weather conditions, such as the midlands, east and northeast, a shortfall is more likely. However, in areas that received more frequent rain, such as Cork and the southwest, crops are in better shape.