Diminishing stocks of straw due to last year’s poor straw harvest has meant prices have remained strong into the New Year. Prices achieved nationally and the 70th January Newbury Hay and Straw sale held on Thursday 21st January matched the current high trade of recent weeks.

With current Covid restrictions and the National lockdown forcing the sale to be actioned through tender bids only, left auctioneer John Read, partner at Carter Jonas, to manage the sale. Competitive and multiple ‘bids’ for the lots on offer left a 100% clearance for straw with price levels in line with other national sales. 

The recent wintry spell will have helped bolster prices as Hay and Straw is used up with no let-up in cold and wet weather forecast for much of the country meaning stocks will be decreasing across farms. 

John Read, partner, Carter Jonas, said: “Holding an auction within Covid-19 guidelines and remotely was a particular challenge however a strong turnout of regular buyers and some new faces from across the country meant some buyers were left empty handed once the tenders have been received.’’ 

“Trade for wheat straw was in line with recent sales levelling at £133 per tonne equivalent. The top price for wheat straw on the day was £140 per tonne achieved by both F J Snook, Devises and new vendors Kingsdown Farms, Warminster.’’ 

“Lower stocks of barley straw kept demand high and averaged the equivalent of £130 per tonne with Kingsdown Farms, Warminster again topping trade at £153 a tonne for spring barley.

‘The Hay market remained strong for the small number of lots on offer. Notably hay topped at £148 per tonne equivalent achieved for Ryegrass hay from A R J Corp & Son, Chippenham.

Read concluded: ‘We would like to thank the vendors and purchasers for their continued support throughout this difficult season. Our regular March sale will be dependent upon sufficient entries but please do contact us if you have excess hay or straw to sell or are looking to purchase as we have contacts with remaining stocks.’’