What Will the 2026 Harvest Mean for Livestock Bedding Supplies?
The UK harvest is always an important period for livestock farmers. It provides an early indication of how much straw may be available, what quality it will be and what farmers could expect to pay as winter approaches.
In 2026, exceptionally dry weather and high temperatures have made those questions particularly relevant. The Environment Agency reported that half of England had been declared in drought by 29 July, with farmers in some regions harvesting crops earlier than usual.
Although conditions differ across the UK, the current situation is a timely reminder that livestock farmers should review their winter bedding requirements sooner rather than later.
How could the 2026 harvest affect straw supplies?
The quantity of straw produced during harvest depends on several factors, including the area planted, crop variety, growing conditions, cutting height and the weather during harvesting and baling.
Prolonged dry conditions can restrict crop growth and potentially produce shorter stems, reducing the volume of straw available after the grain has been harvested. The Environment Agency reported in July that the early harvest had already started in parts of East Anglia and that spring barley yields were expected to be affected by the earlier lack of rainfall.
Conditions also vary considerably between regions. Farmers should therefore avoid relying solely on national headlines and speak to their usual suppliers about availability in their area.
For farms in Wales, Natural Resources Wales has also been monitoring the effects of dry weather, warning that further catchments could move into drought without significant and sustained rainfall.
What is happening to straw prices?
Straw prices can move quickly during and after harvest as the market gains a clearer picture of supply, quality and demand.
According to AHDB’s weekly hay and straw price data, the average GB merchant buying prices on 2 August 2026 were:
Big square-baled barley straw: £88 per tonne ex-farm
Big square-baled wheat straw: £79 per tonne ex-farm
Big bale hay: £95 per tonne ex-farm
These figures are useful market indicators, but they should not be treated as delivered prices or quotations. Transport distance, bale size, moisture, quality and regional availability can all affect the actual amount a farmer pays.
It is also worth remembering that bedding costs are not just a purchasing issue. Storage space, waste, application time, absorbency and the amount required per animal all influence the true cost of a bedding system.
Why livestock farmers should plan now
It may feel early to make decisions about winter housing, particularly while cattle are still grazing. However, August is a useful time to assess existing stocks and identify any likely shortfall.
Leaving the decision until housing begins can reduce the number of options available. It may also expose the farm to changes in price, product availability or delivery times during a busy period.
AHDB’s guidance on planning ahead for winter bedding recommends calculating requirements carefully and considering suitable alternatives where necessary.
A simple bedding review should cover:
Existing stocks
Check how much usable bedding remains from last winter. Inspect stored material for moisture, mould or contamination before including it in your calculations.
Expected housing period
Estimate when animals are likely to come indoors and how long they will remain housed. Allow for the possibility of an earlier housing date or a later turnout.
Livestock numbers
Include the number and type of animals that will be housed. Calves, dairy cows, beef cattle and youngstock may have different bedding requirements.
Normal daily usage
Review how much bedding the farm used last winter. Consider whether changes to herd size, buildings or management practices will alter the amount required this year.
A sensible contingency
Weather and housing periods are difficult to predict. Keeping a reserve can help the business respond if cattle need to be housed earlier than planned.
Should farmers consider alternative bedding?
Where straw supplies are uncertain, alternative bedding materials may help farmers spread risk and secure a more consistent supply.
AHDB notes that materials including sawdust and wood-based bedding can reduce dependence on straw, but every material must be managed correctly to maintain suitable lying conditions and support animal health and welfare.
Before changing bedding, farmers should consider:
Absorbency and moisture control
Animal cleanliness and comfort
Ease and frequency of application
Compatibility with slurry or manure-handling systems
Storage requirements
Consistency of supply
Cost per animal or cubicle
The time and labour required to manage it
Comparing only the price per tonne can be misleading. A more useful calculation considers how much material is used each day, how effectively it performs and how much waste the system produces.
The importance of buying from a trusted supplier
Whatever bedding material a farm chooses, quality and consistency matter.
Farmers should understand where the material comes from, whether it is suitable for livestock use and how it has been processed and stored. Wood-derived bedding should come from an appropriate, controlled source and should be free from treated timber and unwanted contaminants.
Consistent particle size and moisture levels can also make bedding easier to store, handle and apply. A reliable delivery service becomes especially important during autumn and winter, when poor weather and busy farm schedules can make last-minute arrangements difficult.
Preparing for winter with Platts Agriculture
At Platts Agriculture, we manufacture and supply animal bedding designed to help keep livestock clean, dry and comfortable.
Our range includes baled and bulk bedding options for dairy and beef farms, supported by an experienced delivery team serving customers across the UK and Ireland. Because we manufacture our sawdust and shavings, we can offer farmers a consistent product and dependable year-round supply.
With uncertainty surrounding weather, forage and straw availability, now is a sensible time to review your bedding requirements for the coming housing season.
Speak to the Platts team on 01978 854666 or email sales@plattsagriculture.co.uk to discuss your farm, housing system and winter bedding needs.
Market information was correct at the time of writing and may change. Farmers should obtain current prices and availability directly from their chosen supplier.
