FARMERS sitting on stocks of hay and straw and despairing at current market prices have been warned to make sure they keep it in good condition.

According to Carter Jonas auctioneer John Read, a large supply of both hay and straw has been met with slack demand, because of the mild weather this autumn.

He said in some cases hay has been trading with no or little margin over the cost of producing it for farmers who have needed to sell to clear a space in their barns.

“Last winter we saw how quickly the weather went from benign to malevolent,” said Mr Read.

“The balmy summer and warm autumn this year, with no sign of frost before the start of November, may have prompted many to forget those hard times.

“The weather is always the big factor in determining the winter market. A late spring can always stimulate demand and over time supply and demand will balance out.

“It’s essential that farmers holding hay and straw stocks take great care to make sure these stocks are well stored to prevent weather and vermin damage.

“Outside stacks of straw are always best sold early in the season as quite often no amount of sheeting ever seems to prevent water getting in.”

The first Carter Jonas sale of the season will be held on Thursday December 4, at Newbury Rugby Club, with an entry of some 800 tonnes lying in Hampshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire and Wiltshire.

“The auction system has the benefit of testing the market and generally allows a larger quantity to be sold in one go for greater efficiency,” adds Mr Read.

“Another key benefit is that payment is made in the saleroom at the fall of the hammer, possibly a real boost to farm turnover as winter starts and costs rise.”