Opinion
Grain markets are bad enough. But, now comes news, completely out of left field, that straw prices have also taken a real hit.
Tillage
Unexpectedly low straw pries are putting further pressure on tillage incomes at the present time. Reportedly, 4x4 bales are making just €20
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As is usual, there is variation in straw prices across the country and prices are keenest in the south-east. Many farmers are happy to store.
The period of unsettled weather over the last two weeks has left farmers struggling with difficult working conditions for the harvest period.
As the broken weather makes for difficult working conditions straw is proving hard to gather - as are prices.
Straw is in demand, with tillage farmers reporting plenty of orders in the past few weeks. However, a hold on price is harder to get.
AgriLand undertook a quick round-up of straw prices, perusing advertisements across the country - to give readers an up-to-date insight.
There is quite a difference between prices being charged in south Leinster, compared with those further north in the province.
Straw as we know is a valuable commodity - the value of which is difficult to estimate, but farmers are becoming more aware of soil health.
Straw prices are a bit of a mystery, but many farmers are still aiming to get from €18/bale to €20/bale for 4X4 bales of winter barley straw.
It seems that there is demand for straw across the water. Straw in Canada has risen in price from 5c/lb to 15c/lb in the past year.
The heavy rain at the weekend brought combines to a halt. AgriLand will report further on straw prices when it actually starts to move.
Straw is still in demand and there seems to be many farmers selling good quality straw from the shed this year.
27% of AgriLand readers are paying over €30/bale for barley straw. That's according to a poll carried out on AgriLand on Monday of this week.
Bales of straw are in such demand that some purchasers have been willing to pay 50% of the purchase cost before the crop is harvested.
N.Ireland
Silage, straw and hay prices have soared as northern buyer demand for fodder remains high following the wet winter.
Straw prices have come down. More straw seems to be available and it pays to shop around as there is good variation in prices.
As the winter draws in straw prices remain up with the continuing demand around the country. There is variation in quality.
Straw is in serious demand around the country and in the west of Ireland in particular. This demand is reflected in the price.
In Co. Roscommon, a merchant is selling round bales of straw at €20/bale, with bales destined for Mayo priced at €25-26/bale.
