Any pollster posing questions to the composting community at present on the question of straw and the late harvest would no doubt get some gloomy results.
The straw question is looming again this year with added urgency.
Prices for compost rely on the good supply of straw for compost production, and although the domestic harvest was initially good, the wet August could easily put a spanner in the works, so to speak.
September weather is the one to watch - even if there is three good dry days in a row the straw harvesting can be got done and the shortage crisis averted.
New 4 wheel drive combines are also coming to the aid of farmers, but that's only if they can get their hands on them. Word is with all the bad weather, the demand for the 4WD machines has sky-rocketed. Trying to purchase a new one is proving difficult.
With the torrential downpours that have been experienced both north and south - with up to a month's rain falling in the space of 24 hours - it is hoped that an Indian summer may nring better harvesting conditions.
