Dearer, Drier and in Demand! Straw Sale Makes Sparks Fly

Greenslade Taylor Hunt’s Agricultural Department at Sedgemoor Auction Centre, reported a good-sized entry of 2,312 acres of standing straw being sold on one night by live auction.

Not only was the room filled with potential buyers but also plenty of buyers sat in the comfort of their own home bidding on Marteye. Online purchasers were certainly active, with around a quarter of the lots being purchased online. The following, record breaking, averages were obtained:

 

All Vendors were well rewarded for entering standing straw into the auction, with winter barley reaching £220/acre, winter wheat reaching a staggering £242/acre, winter oats reaching £125, spring barley achieving £102/acre and oilseed rape breaking in to new territory, topping out at £100 per acre.

Auctioneer Tom Mellor commented after the sale “There was a real buzz in the air as we opened this year’s annual straw sale – the atmosphere was electric from the very first lot. With straw in tighter supply and demand stronger than we’ve seen in recent seasons, it was expected to see prices up on last year, but trade definitely exceeded expectations.

Bidders travelled from far and wide to attend the sale. A packed room and strong phone and online interest meant that from the outset, bids were flying in thick and fast. It quickly became clear that competition was fierce, with buyers eager to secure quality straw to see them through the season.

Trade was brisk across the board, with top quality barley and wheat straw commanding premium prices. Even the lesser lots found strong interest, as buyers looked to secure volume regardless of type. In many cases, prices exceeded expectations by a significant margin, reflecting the continued tightness in supply and increasing on-farm demand.

Compared to last year, values were notably dearer across the sale – in some instances by £60-£100/acre.

Overall, an excellent day’s trading, with vendors rightly delighted by the strength of the market and buyers showing real determination to secure what they need. With such a strong showing from both local and distant bidders, this sale highlighted just how essential straw is in today’s farming landscape”.

If any farmers are looking to see what the auction system can offer them next season or private treaty, they are welcome to contact Tom Mellor or Josh Tilley. Tel: 01278 410250 or [email protected], [email protected].