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A shortage of grass in eastern parts of NI has helped create an initial surge in demand for new-season straw.
Harvesting of winter barley commenced last week, and early reports point to a marked increase in the straw market compared to previous years.
Prices for round bales range from £20 to £25 in the field, with delivered bales costing an additional £2 to £4/bale depending on location.
The highest prices are being seen in the parts most severely affected by the recent dry spell.
Driving demand are dairy farmers looking for straw to include as part of a buffer feed for lactating cows, as well as inclusion in dry cow diets in advance of autumn calving.
But beef farmers in the east have not been immune to the shortage of grass, and straw is being fed to finishing cattle that have been rehoused.
Contrast
The current surge in demand is in contrast to last summer when the straw market was weak due to a considerable carryover of 2019 stocks on farms. Prices in the field for 4x4s started around £12 to £14, with delivered bales costing up to £18.
Supply
However, straw yields are also significantly higher this year with 10 to 12 round bales per acre being obtained. Last August, winter crops were struggling to better seven bales per acre.
With winter wheat and spring barley crops still to harvest, if weather remains favourable, there should be ample straw reserves to meet needs.
Big squares
Republic of Ireland straw is also in high demand from NI customers, and early reports indicate that supply is not an issue, despite some fears that the Irish Government-backed initiative for chopping straw would create a shortage.
8x4x3 bales are priced around the £50 to £55 mark delivered, with 8x4x4’s between £68 and £70, although prices can fluctuate depending on the cost of haulage.
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