The acreage of UK wheat is down significantly due to the wet autumn and spring, so quality straw will be at a premium this year.
As prices continue to rise, Harvest Tec, which works with Carrs Billington and Monarch Agri to distribute the Baler’s Choice and Harvest Tec applicators, is recommending the use of preservatives may be prudent to produce dust and mould-free bales.
According to the AHDB, the wheat area of the UK is down 1.56m hectares (9.6%) compared to 2023, with the hardest hit being key livestock areas including the north west where the hectarage is down 20%.
The British Hay & Straw Merchants Association notes that barley and wheat straw prices have reacted accordingly, with averages reaching £83/t and £90/t respectively and peaking at £90/t and £120/t.
While Baler’s Choice is primarily used in hay, it can be just as effective in straw according to Harvest Tec. Used when straw is still green but the heads are fit for combining, it can limit the development of mould.
Tests on straw bales made at 21% moisture found that untreated bales had increased levels of mould and yeast. Even when the straw is fit, research by Cranfield University found that moisture levels can fluctuate by as much as 5% along a 100m swath.