Straw Sales Bring in Big Bucks for Farmers

Farmers are reaping financial rewards from selling straw as a cash crop this harvest season. According to the British Hay and Straw Association, merchants are paying up to £113/t ex-farm for wheat straw in some regions.

At a typical yield of 4t/ha, baling straw can deliver an additional revenue of £320/ha, providing an overall income of £220-£270/ha after accounting for baling costs. However, growers should not overlook the need to replenish nutrients removed by the straw, particularly potassium (K) and phosphorus (P).

'At about £30/ha to replace both the P and K removed from baling straw, it's a false economy to take shortcuts,' says Origin Soil Nutrition agronomist Toby Ward. 'Both nutrients are yield-limiting.'