Standing straw sells to a strong trade

By fcharles

LAST autumn's severe, wet weather caused far less winter wheat to be sown, which resulted in the quantity of good quality crops in the area to be in very short supply. As seen time and time again the auction route is the best way of achieving the highest prices when demand outstrips supply.

The merits of using the auction system are evident in the results achieved at Greenslade Taylor Hunt's recent standing straw auctions, with GTH reporting the following prices: Winter Barley topped at £100/acre for a 6 ½ acre piece at Chelston, £90/acre was also bid for 14 ½ acres of Winter Barley at Bradford on Tone. Winter Wheat peaked at £77/acre for 14 acres at South Petherton, many other crops also sold in excess of £70/acre. Winter Oats also rose to £77/acre for 5 ½ acres at Upottery with all oats selling in excess of £66/acre. Due to the shortage of Winter crops, Spring crops were also well sought with Spring Barley hitting new levels at £71/acre for 26 ½ acres at West Buckland. Another adjoining 12 acres rose to £68/acre and Spring Wheat topped at £58/acre for 8 acres at Burrowbridge. Even Oilseed Rape straw sold well to £20/acre.

These results could not be a better advertisement for why to use the auction system. Any farmers that may be able to make an entry in to next year's auction are urged to call either Robert Venner or Tom Mellor of Greenslade Taylor Hunt's Agricultural Team to discuss matters, 01278 410250 or farms.sedgemoor@gth.net.

Tom Mellor, Greenslade Taylor Hunt