Standing straw demand remains firm at early auctions

Standing straw auctions are in full swing across England ahead of harvest, with auctioneers reporting solid demand.

However, auctioneers say bidding has generally been more cautious than during last year’s exceptionally strong market, when poor cereal yields and tight straw supplies pushed prices sharply higher.

Early sales suggest livestock farmers remain keen to secure winter bedding, although improved crop prospects this harvest across western regions have eased pressure on values.

See also: Why growing risks raise value of straw-for-muck deals

Gareth Wall, rural surveyor and auctioneer at Sunderlands, has already conducted seven standing straw sales across Herefordshire, South Shropshire and the Welsh Marches.

“I think generally the market’s slightly easier – it’s not quite as spicy as last year at present.” he said. “There seems to be some reluctance from farmers to bid as much as last year.”

Sunderlands has sold about 1,250 acres so far, with another 4,000 acres due to be offered during July.

Across its sales, winter wheat straw has averaged about £125/acre, peaking at £145/acre, while winter barley has averaged £160/acre, spring barley £103/acre, oilseed rape £43/acre and ryegrass £65-70/acre.

Mr Wall said improved crop growth this season should generate more straw than last year, which should help to temper prices despite ongoing strong demand.

Meanwhile, about 1,200 acres of standing straw was sold to full clearance at Bridgnorth Livestock Centre, Shropshire, on Tuesday 30 June.

Winter wheat averaged £120/acre (peaking at £145/acre), with winter barley at £120/acre, spring barley £102.30/acre, spring oats £88/acre and oilseed rape £78.20/acre. Auctioneers said strong demand left several buyers empty-handed.

Devon exceeds expectations

However, competition has remained intense in Devon and Somerset where auctioneers have reported record trade.

At Stags’ annual standing straw sale on 23 June at Crediton, Devon, 216.5 acres of winter wheat standing straw, sold on behalf of Bremridge Farm, achieved a record average of £188.37/acre, with a top price of £208/acre.

At Bateman Hosegood’s Dunsmore sale near Exeter, 81 acres of winter wheat averaged £197.01/acre (top £205/acre), while 56 acres of winter oats averaged £171.11/acre (top £200/acre).

At the firm’s West Somerset sale, 343 acres of winter wheat averaged £187.82/acre, with a record £260/acre top price. Winter barley averaged £167.27/acre (top £190/acre), while spring barley made £100/acre.