STANDING STRAW prices are up £2-£3/acre on last season despite patchy demand in some regions.

Concern that strong winds and heavy showers may increase lodging across many areas has failed to dampen the market, according to auctioneers.

Trade has also remained robust despite agronomic reports suggesting cereal crops are unlikely to achieve the straw yields realised last harvest.

Despite these warnings, other factors have driven demand, said Richard Stagg of Devon-based Stags.

“Concern that diesel prices have risen has certainly been a factor pushing local demand, rather than transporting straw by road from other areas.”

Combined with a slight recovery in stock numbers, the south-west appears to have been the strongest market for straw.

Winter wheat values of £15-£25/acre and winter barley at £25-£35/acre were typical, said Mr Stagg.

“In hot-spots in the north of the county spring barley has hit £51/acre and several large lots are going at £46/acre – just extraordinary,” he added.

North of the Severn estuary, auctioneer David Thompson said winter crops were averaging £20/acre.

“That would be £2-£3/acre up on the year despite the impact of TB and fewer dairy units in the region.”

Shropshire-based Barbers said a recent sale of winter wheat had levelled at £13.70/acre with a top bid of £30, winter barley achieved £21.33/acre with a top bid of £29 and spring barley averaged £17.30/acre and peaked at £26.

Cheshire has seen mixed results despite seasonal demand from producers either side of the Welsh border, reaching £14-£20/acre for winter wheat and £14-£24/acre for barley, said Wright Manley.

Overall, producers have a slightly larger area of cereals supplying this year‘s market for straw.

The Home-Grown Cereals Authority‘s planting survey for 2004 shows the area of winter wheat has increased by 7% while the smaller area of winter and spring barley has slipped back by 4%.