Hay and silage bale prices highest in the west of the country

The west of the country is proving to be the dearest place to buy round bales of hay and silage, with farmers looking for €25/bale, according to prices on Donedeal.

The cost of round bales of hay has increased by between €3-5/bale compared to this time last year, which is similar to the price increases seen in straw this year.

The cheapest round bales of hay currently advertised on Donedeal are in Co. Laois, where one seller is asking for €18/bale. 

Prices in the west of the country are generally higher than the east, with €25/bale being the common price for hay in Connacht. In the east and south of the country a farmer can expect to pay between €18-22/bale.

Silage

Meanwhile, silage is being advertised on Donedeal for between €15-25/bale, with the average price across the country closer to €20/bale.

The most expensive silage for sale is in Co. Mayo, where a seller is looking for €25/bale. While Co. Laois continued to be the cheapest place to buy forage, with silage advertised for €15/bale.

Straw Prices Vary By €5/Bale

With the harvest season in full swing the seasonal straw market is beginning to take off with round bales selling from €10-15/bale.

Prices on Donedeal show that straw is generally cheapest in the East and South with bales in Cork and Wexford being offered at €10/bale.

Meanwhile farmers in Connacht can expect to pay more for round bales of straw, with one seller in Galway looking for €15/bale.

This time last year, straw in Munster and Leinster was trading for between €7-8/bale, while prices are up €2-3/bale this year.

Meanwhile, the 8x4x3 large square bales advertised on Donedeal are making between €22-24.