Cheaper Straw?

Currently straw prices have eased by with weather conditions deteriorating are likely to increase in the next few months.  Would it be sensible to purchase straw if possible now to have sufficient to dilute limited silage stocks to keep cows full or even to winter some store animals on a straw and concentrate diet rather than sell them at lower prices than last year?

Having sufficient bedding straw is critical in the survival of young lambs and calves and for finishing cattle to minimise the amount of clipping they need prior to sale.

At worst should it be a very early spring next year, straw can be easily taken through to the following winter with no deterioration in quality etc.

Basil Lowman,

val.angus@sac.co.uk