Selling straw - baled vs in the swath

[MattR]

We've always baled all our straw and sold it by the bale (most of it goes to a nearby dairy farmer who has been a customer for several years). With less family labour now I've been wondering about getting rid of the baler and just selling it in the swath.

Thinking just one less thing to stress about especially in a catchy/difficult season, and especially with breakdowns, also not tying a tractor up, and one less implement to store, maintain etc.

Are there any potential pitfalls? What would be the best way to work out a price, just go off some local auction prices? What about terms - are there ever any disagreements about stubble height, trodden down swaths, cutting late etc? Or am I better off sticking to baling it? (It can be a reasonably cheap/quick job if going right.)

 

[cb387]

If what you are doing works, stick with it especially as you have the kit already. Relying on contractors to bale and clear fields when (and how) you want is opening up a whole world of pain and frustration

 

[APJ]

Simply carry on baling your own it’s the easiest way.

 

[MattR]

If what you are doing works, stick with it especially as you have the kit already. Relying on contractors to bale and clear fields when (and how) you want is opening up a whole world of pain and frustration

Yeah I get what you mean, on the other hand there would probably be times a buyer/contractor would be able to be on quicker - when I'm combining that's obviously the priority and the straw has to wait. But yeah maybe you're right, might end up tearing my hair out waiting for people to bale and clear when I could have done it ages before!

 

[JD6920s]

If what you are doing works, stick with it especially as you have the kit already. Relying on contractors to bale and clear fields when (and how) you want is opening up a whole world of pain and frustration

Let alone the risk of blackgrass being brought in by someone else’s baler.

 

[solo]

The biggest factor for me would be the movement of weed seeds particularly black grass and ryegrass on contract balers.The costs of dealing with these over many years, once introduced to your farm, could be far more than the straw value. Doing your own also means you are in control of field clearance and not relying on others. Maybe the solution would be for a competent local self employed man and tractor using your baler.
The black grass 2021 thread will give you a heads up.

 

[Hilly]

Bake it your self keep control.

 

[mo!]

Sell it in the swath but charge per bale or by weight? That's the fairest system. Straw by the acre only ever suits the seller.

 

[4course]

put it to auction ,with a reserve that suits your circumstances

 

[warksfarmer]

We've always baled all our straw and sold it by the bale (most of it goes to a nearby dairy farmer who has been a customer for several years). With less family labour now I've been wondering about getting rid of the baler and just selling it in the swath.

Thinking just one less thing to stress about especially in a catchy/difficult season, and especially with breakdowns, also not tying a tractor up, and one less implement to store, maintain etc.

Are there any potential pitfalls? What would be the best way to work out a price, just go off some local auction prices? What about terms - are there ever any disagreements about stubble height, trodden down swaths, cutting late etc? Or am I better off sticking to baling it? (It can be a reasonably cheap/quick job if going right.)

Last year sold in the swath before harvest at £70/acre. Also baled some which has gone at £100-£140/tonne so net to us is less £20/t baling, stacking and loading cost.