Spanish straw is available for Irish farmers despite the severe drought conditions experienced in Spain this summer.

Straw imported from Spain to Ireland is used by some beef and dairy farmers as a source of fibre in total mixed rations (TMR) along with grass silage, concentrates and other ingredients.

Spanish straw is generally precision chopped and comes in industrially compressed 8x4x3 bales with an approximate weight of 750kg.

Spanish straw prices are currently ranging from €250-€270/tonne, delivered, but again there is some variation depending on the location and the supplier.

One supplier of Spanish straw in the Irish market told Agriland that bales are available but that the market is not "overly flush" with supplies at the moment.

The drought in Spain is a contributing factor to this.

Commenting on the level of demand for Spanish straw, another agent said that there has been no significant uplift so far this year.

The supplier said: "Demand is remaining much the same. Farmers are deferring decisions as regards buying in additional fodder and many are waiting to see what the weather and the government are going to do first."

Irish straw prices update

The prolonged August dry spell has taken a toll on crops, with lower yields and rising straw prices adding to the pressure on farmers.

Earlier this week, Agriland spoke to several farmers that are both selling and buying in straw, as well as associations involved in the straw and grain trade to find out how the straw trade is faring this month.

Tillage farmers have most of the winter crop harvested; however this year has resulted in earlier and lower yields due to major soil moisture deficits of over 90mm in the south-east.

This has placed a strain on supply, which, coupled with increased demand due to grass shortages and reduced winter fodder reserves on drought-stricken farms, has led to price increases.

Agriland has heard that round straw bales were on sale for up to €30/bale before delivery.

This is a sharp increase from the €22-€25/bale average reported in July.

Tillage farmers

Agriland spoke to one west Co. Cork-based farmer who reported round bales as being sold for €36/bale delivered, and 8x4x3 bales going for €70/bale when delivered.

A Co. Limerick-based farmer reported barley and wheat straw as selling for €27/bale off the field and €37/bale delivered.

The farmer also added that dairy farmers were not pushing for straw at the minute, he believes this may be because of cashflow concerns in some instances.

Delivery may also increase costs at varying rates depending on distance.

According to latest feedback, winter barley straw was trading for between €35-€40/bale with delivery.

Meanwhile wheat and rye straw was trading for €5 less than barley due to quality and demand factors.

Separately 8x4x3 square bales were selling for €65-€70/bale which is a significant increase on the €50/bale seen in July.

Feedback suggests that 8x4x4 square bales of barley straw were going for up to €90/bale when delivered.

According to John Murphy, chair of the Irish Farmers' Association Grain Committee, described demand as "massive" and expects that it is going to increase later in the year.