New figures reveal the extent of straw losses last harvest and confirm a shortage of bedding over the coming months for livestock farmers.

An IFA survey of growers in the 10 worst affected counties found that the equivalent of 70,000 bales of straw were lost last August and September.

Adding to the problem is that the biggest weather losses were in western counties, where straw supply for bedding and feeding is always in shortest supply anyway.

These were the losses on just 212 farms, albeit those worst affected. But the high rainfall and poor drying hit the amount of straw saved in all other counties, too.

The figures explain why demand and prices for straw have risen steadily over recent weeks. Farmers with straw to sell are now asking for up to €20 for 4x4 round bales of barley straw out of the shed and similarly high prices for wheaten straw. Traders are enquiring from UK and French counterparts about straw prices in those countries.

The IFA has compiled these figures as part of a determined campaign for an aid package for hard-hit cereal growers. Its survey puts a value on the lost straw of just under €900,000. Worse, it found that the same small number of growers lost almost 22,000t of grain with a value of €3.1m. Total losses were €4m or €14,700 per grower.

IFA president Joe Healy has now submitted the findings to Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed and demanded that the minister gives it urgent attention. “It is imperative that a financial aid package is now put in place to cover the losses encountered by these farmers,” he wrote.

The survey found that the affected counties had rain on between 21 and 28 of the 31 days in August. On 16 to 24 days, the rain was more than 1mm and therefore enough to hinder combining and baling.