Tillage farmers reportedly being asked not to incorporate straw
Significant numbers of grain growers are being asked not to incorporate straw by their livestock farming neighbours.
“In a number of instances, this may require tillage farmers to withdraw land from the Straw Incorporation Measure,” Teagasc tillage specialist, Shay Phelan explained.
“In cases that I am hearing about, livestock farmers are asking for straw to be baled behind the combine or they will get contractors to do the job.
“I am assuming that dairy and beef producers are starting to get concerned about future forage stocks, with the prospect of more hot dry weather coming our way, and view the straw now becoming available as a buffering option."
But the Teagasc representative has very clear advice for tillage farmers selling straw right now: “Don’t give it away cheap”.
“Straw has a very high, inherent value. First, off it’s worth up to €250/ha under the incorporation measure," he said.
“But more than this, it has also an intrinsically high fertiliser value, particularly where potash is concerned.
“So, straw should not be considered a cheap, fodder option by livestock farmers.”
Meanwhile, Minister for Agriculture, Food and the Marine, Martin Heydon is coming under pressure to respond to the fact that the Straw Incorporation Measure (SIM) has been over-subscribed this year.
The scheme is one of Irish agriculture’s key climate change response instruments.
“Given that Harvest 2026 is now underway, the minister will have to make some form of definitive decision on this matter very quickly,” said Shay Phelan.
“The issue is very much up in the air at the present time.”
Straw Incorporation Measure
An annual budget of €10 million has been available by the Irish government for the Straw Incorporation Measure to cover the period 2023 to 2027.
Previously, Minister Heydon has made no secret of his support for SIM and acted accordingly by ensuring that all 2025 applications would be accepted for the support measure.
But that was 12 months ago. If the minister wants to ensure that all 2026 applicants receive the full area payment, it looks like he will have to find additional €5 million to make this a reality.
Meanwhile, demand for straw across the island of Ireland, as both a bedding and forage source, continues to grow.
The inclusion of straw in beef finishing and high yielding dairy cow rations is increasingly regarded as a way of boosting dietary fibre levels and maintaining rumen function.
