Low stocks of fodder and the demand for feed quality barley straw are thought to lie behind the strong results at the season’s first hay and straw sale for Carter Jonas with 2,250 tonnes going under the hammer.

Auctioneer John Read took the rostrum at Newbury Rugby Club on January 24th and said timing for the sale was perfect as the straw and hay prices have remained buoyant through the New Year with plenty of buyers in attendance resulting in a good clearance throughout.

“There was a large crowd of bidders, with those from the South West and Wales coming in strongest. That is fairly normal as these areas are strong on livestock farming but weaker on the arable enterprises that produce straw for animal bedding and feed.

“With BPS payments largely on time this year, coupled with the recent spell of wintry weather encouraging potential purchasers with short feed supplies to look into increase their remaining stocks’’.

Barley was in strong demand and averaged £80 per tonne to exceed its performance over the last couple of years. Neil Walker of Abingdon topped the sale at £88 a tonne for spring barley, a stronger top figure than we have seen in recent years.

‘’Trade for wheat straw remained strong and exceeded expectations averaging at £64 per tonne equivalent including some straw stored in outside stacks’’. Top price for wheat straw on the day was £71 per tonne by Rob Snook of Urchfont near Devizes’’.

“Trade for the limited supply of hay on offer remained strong, but there’s still nationally a shortage of good quality fodder available. Top prices achieved were for Meadow Hay at £155 per tonne John Liddiard of Great Shefford near Hungerford. Averages for hay remained strong at £143 per tonne.’’

‘’A small offering of Haylage achieved £114 per tonne equivalent from Malcom Bryant of Ashford Hill near Thatcham again showing healthy demand for fodder’’.

With plenty of buyers in attendance and all chasing more fodder we welcome entries for our next sale on March 7th at the same venue.”

View Hay & Straw Auctions