Most livestock farmers are holding off buying straw bedding due to the higher prices being sought by sellers.

Instead, many have adopted a wait and see approach, hoping prices will fall.

Cashflow pressures are also a big factor.

Asking prices for straw are in the range of €30-€40 for 4x4 round bales.

One straw trader told the Irish Farmers Journal he brought a load of straw to Roscommon on Saturday and parked outside the mart, hoping to attract customers but received no serious enquiries.

He was quoting €75 for 8x4x3 wheaten bales and €90 for 8x4x3 barley straw.

Hauliers and traders have also sourced plenty of straw in the UK and are looking for orders.

One is currently offering UK chopped wheaten straw for feeding at €220/t delivered.

He has established – by weighing bales – that his price is the equivalent of €30 per 4x4 round bale, but reported that farmer interest is currently low.

Traders report that there is plenty of straw available in the UK.