Can Irish straw and grains help alleviate the fodder crisis?
High quality straw will be available as a valuable source of fodder over the coming weeks and months, according to the Irish Grain Growers Group (IGGG),
IGGG’s Clive Carter said “There is also a large carryover of oats and other Irish cereals, which can be included in livestock rations at the present time.
“Irish grains have never represented better value-for-money from an animal feeding perspective.”
IGGG was represented at the fodder crisis meeting convened earlier this week by Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon with Teagasc and the main farm organisations
The grain growers group will also be participating in the meeting of the National Fodder and Food Security Committee (NFFSC) planned for Teagasc Oak Park tomorrow (August 21).
Carter said: “Harvest 2026 has been an extremely challenging form a grain yield perspective.
“Straw yields were also back to some extent. However, the upside to the good weather was that straw was baled in pristine condition.
“All of it is extremely suited as a fodder source for ruminant livestock.
“Adding two kilos of straw and a kilo of rolled barley in a ration fed to young stock or dry cows will help extend silage stocks on farms over the winter months.
“Adding to the attraction of straw in this regard is its very high dry matter value.”
Carter also pointed out that all the main stakeholders within Ireland’s agri-sector fully recognise the valuable role that Irish straw and native grains can play in alleviating the impact of the drought and the implications this has had on fodder supplies over the coming weeks and months.
Straw demand
Meanwhile straw prices have edged up over the last number of days.
Square bales (8x4x3) are currently available for approximately €50 ex-farm.
The average cost of round bales is in the region of €30, again ex-farm.
“Demand for straw has definitely strengthened over recent days.
"No doubt, this is because of farmers having worked through their fodder budgets and now realise they may be short of silage next winter," Carter said.
The big unknown where future straw availability is concerned remains that of gauging how much crop was taken out of the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) post the original applications being submitted back in the spring.
The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) has yet to come forward with this figure.
Meanwhile, high pressure is set to build in again over the island for next weekend.
Many northern counties have received meaningful rainfall over recent days, which has helped to boost grass growth in a meaningful way.
