Barley Straw

Barley (Hordeum vulgare L) is a member of the grass family, and one of the worlds first cultivated grains.

Barley straw is the baled stalk of the plant remaining after grain production.

A widely adaptable crop, barley has a short growing season and is relatively drought tolerant, making it excellent for Wheatbelt conditions. Common Western Australian varieties include Buloke, Baudin and Gairdner.

The benefits and uses of barley straw include:

• Excellent energy source in an animal feed ration
• Animal bedding
• Mulching
• More palatable than wheat straw
• Minor animal feed option to prevent erosion in confined areas
• Greatly reduces costs and stretches feed resources when combined with high quality oaten hay.

Please note: Rain events, wind and extreme heat or cold can greatly affect all stages of Barley straw production.