Caution urged over selling rape straw

Oilseed rape growers should consider baling their straw this year, because livestock producers will be seeking alternative supplies of forage to make up for poor silage yields, according to a leading supplier of feed mixers and feed advice.
By The Newsroom
Published 23rd Jul 2010, 16:45 BST
Updated 23rd Jul 2010, 16:45 BST

But a Yorkshire dealer has warned against raising farmers' expectations too high.

Keenan Systems, an Irish feed machinery manufacturer with an English headquarters at Kenilworth, Warwickshire, said this week that rape straw could be a useful part of the mix for cattle feed and could fetch within 5-10 of the price of a tonne of wheat straw – currently trading at 40-70 a tonne.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Andrew Holman, who runs A & A Services at Selby, was quoted by Keenan, saying rape straw could give growers a valuable extra income. He said: "We have been baling and selling rape straw for a few years and those farmers who use it are surprised at how much their stock like it."

When called by the Yorkshire Post, Mr Holman stood by his quotes but added notes of caution.

He said: "There is a lot of excitable reporting going on about the price of straw which is not helpful.

"The price all depends on where you are and where the buyers are. Some people might be getting 70 a tonne for top-notch straw, but that does not mean rape straw from the other side of the country is worth 60, or anywhere near it.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"We are seeing high prices because last year was exceptionally wet and this year started exceptionally dry and the power industry is buying large tonnages."

He advised farmers to consult their local merchants before deciding whether to bale straw or chop it back into the ground. His number is 01757 638577.

CW 24/7/10

Related topics:YorkshireKenilworthWarwickshire