Straw trade buoyant

Barbers Auctions LLP are pleased to report a total clearance sale of over 3,000 acres of standing straw, at their collective three borders catalogued sale.

The trade was remarkably buoyant considering the weather and early reports on trade throughout the country.

Over twice the acreage was forward on the year of wheat, barley and oat straw, which went under the gavel, selling before a room full of potential bidders.

The acreage was situated on and over 18 farms in the North Shropshire and surrounding border area.

The collective sale was held at Market Drayton Livestock Market on Thursday, July 12 and attracted a large attendance of buyers representing farmers and contractors from five counties.

With such wet weather conditions, the script was set for mixed trade, however good was certainly surpassed, and buoyant trade prevailed with prices better than vendors' expectations.

Demand was apparent especially for barley straw and again location, location, location is one of the key factors realised close to livestock enterprises.

Winter barley was certainly the 'ace in the pack' being in short supply, trade commanded some real spirited bidding, with prices climbing to £45 per acre.

The field in question was sold by Fieldfare Farmers Ltd and situated at Steel Grange, Tilstock. The prices ranged from £23 to £45 with an average of £36 slightly back on last years flyer. Spring barley sold on a very pleasing trade, topping at £38 per acre and returned average of £32 per acre and very similar to last year.

Sale of winter wheat was eagerly contested with three calls of £36 per acre being achieved. Tie for top honours came from Stuart Hargreaves Wheat at Tittenley Farm, Tittenley, Market Drayton and Fieldfare Farmers Ltd with two fields at Higher Kempley Farm, Calverhall, Market Drayton.

Winter Wheat sales ranged from £15 to £36 with an average returning at £28.

A small entry of qats forward selling on a level trade throughout, peaking at £31 per acre to average £25.50, situated at Dearnford Hall, Whitchurch.

Bernie Hutchinson, managing partner and auctioneer of Barbers Auctions LLP, reported: "The collective sale of standing straw affords buyers the opportunity to produce small or large quantities at a convenient sale venue.

"With the inclement weather and pressure on time it's certainly beneficial to hold the sale on one evening, offering a uniformed approach to both buyer and seller."