British pig producers facing straw shortage

British pig producers have been urged to plan ahead and consider their options for bedding material, as straw is likely to be in short supply as a result of this spring’s drought.

Pig producers are being advised to consider alternative bedding materials such as low-quality grass hay, maize stalks, pea and bean straw, rye straw, shredded newspaper, hemp and woodchips or coarse sawdust instead of conventional straw for their pigs. The British Pig Executive is currently compiling a bulletin on alternatives to straw bedding and advice on how to make straw go further. As of June 16, there was virtually no barley straw left for sale in the East Anglia region, according to reports.