Halls’ standing straw sales deliver strong results as prices continue to rise

Strong buyer demand for standing straw was reported by Halls Auctioneers after achieving 100% sale clearance rates and delivering significant year-on-year price increases across a range of crops at a series of auctions in the past week.

At Montford Bridge on June 29, 271.5 acres of standing straw was sold in 14 lots. Top price per acre was £162 for winter barley, while winter wheat peaked at £156 and averaged £144, winter barley peaked at £162 and averaged £148.

The sales continued at Acton Pigott Farm, Acton Burnell, on June 30, when all 881 acres attracted intense competition, resulting in an overall average of £134.36 per acre.

Winter wheat averaged £136.78 – an increase of £34 per acre compared to 2025 – and achieved a top price of £162, while spring oats averaged £80.

Momentum continued at Meadow End Farm, Acton, near Bishops Castle, yesterday (Wednesday), where a packed ringside of buyers from South Shropshire, Clun Valley and Mid Wales competed strongly for 1,441 acres of standing straw.

Winter wheat, comprising 779 acres, averaged £151 per acre – up £16 on last year -with a top price of £178 achieved twice. Twelve lots exceeded £160, while three lots sold above £170.

Winter barley also produced an impressive performance, with 179.5 acres averaging £152 and peaking at £178. Three lots surpassed £170, reflecting sustained buyer confidence.

Triticale proved the standout crop of the evening. Across 219.5 acres, it averaged £167 – an increase of £12 on 2025 – with two lots reaching a sale-topping £202. Six triticale lots sold for more than £170.

Oilseed rape also recorded a marked improvement, averaging £97 per acre – up £27 on last year – with a top price of £125 and four lots selling above £105.

Tom Jerman, an auctioneer at Halls, said: “The strength of demand across both sales was exceptional, with buyers competing from the first lot through to the last. These results demonstrate the continued confidence in standing straw sales and the value they can deliver for vendors.

“We would like to thank all our vendors for their continued support and our purchasers for creating such a competitive trade. With prices remaining strong, now is an excellent time for farmers to consider marketing standing straw. We are already taking enquiries for the 2027 season.”

Mr Jerman encouraged farmers interested in selling standing straw during this harvest or planning future sales to contact its team of auctioneers to discuss marketing opportunities.

Contact Mr Jerman on Tel: 01938 555552 or Shrewsbury Auction Centre on Tel: 01743 462620.

Picture: Auctioneers Tom Jerman and Peter Willcock selling at the standing straw sale held at Meadow End Farm, Acton on Wednesday evening.