Farmers are being urged to secure their winter bedding supplies early, as straw shortages and rising prices put pressure on availability across the UK.
According to the AHDB, big-baled barley straw prices have risen sharply to £90/t, up £15/t on 2024 levels. A combination of this summer’s dry weather, which reduced straw yields, and the early housing of cattle due to poor grass growth has intensified demand, leaving many farmers worried about securing enough bedding for the winter.
Liz Russell, managing director at EnviroSystems – makers of EnviroBed – said the pressure on supplies is already being felt.
“We are hearing from farmers who are in urgent need of bedding. Many who have traditionally relied on straw are now looking for alternatives,” she said.
“Our key advice is that when seeking alternatives, make sure you choose a product that won’t compromise herd health – particularly in dairy cows. Bedding plays a vital role in cow comfort, cleanliness, health and welfare. If you cut corners, you risk reduced lying times, production losses, lameness issues and more.”
Mrs Russell explained that while straw shortages are not new, they are becoming increasingly frequent as weather patterns change.
“Every so often these shortages would happen, but they now seem to be becoming more common, with unpredictable seasons leading to variable yields. We invented EnviroBed in 2001 for exactly this reason – to provide a reliable alternative that supports cow health and comfort,” she added.
She urged farmers to exercise caution when considering substitutes for straw.
“When looking at alternative bedding, it’s vital to know what you’re buying – check the dry matter content and exactly what the product contains,” she said.
EnviroBed is made from 100% recycled paper crumble and dried to 95% dry matter using renewable heat. It has a pH of 7.4, is soft on the skin and helps reduce the risk of teat irritation often associated with lime-based products. Its slightly alkaline pH means it can also be safely incorporated into slurry storage and AD systems.
Having grown up on a dairy farm, Mrs Russell understands the pressure livestock farmers are under and says EnviroSystems is taking steps to support its customers.
“We are currently offering £15 off each EnviroBed tote bag (on full and half lorry loads) to help ease the strain. We can deliver in a range of formats – from artic and eight wheeler loads to pallets of 56 bags or tall tote bags – to suit different farming systems, storage and access needs,” she said.
“Bedding supplies are going to be tight across the board this year, so securing supply early is important. It’s also vital to get assurance from suppliers that they have the capacity to fulfil winter bedding demands for your farm.
