[bridget]

Our beekeeping group is having a lesson on how to make a Skep but we need to source straw that has not gone through a combine.  The threshing makes it too short.  Oats would be best as it's longest.  Anyone know of a farmer or crofter using traditional methods for example stooking that might sell us some? 
Thanks. Bridget

[danielh]

Hi Bridget,

You may still be alright with straw if the combine used is conventional and not rotary. The methods are different and conventional tends to leave the straw more intact although whether it would be in the condition you need I am not sure. Worth asking locally though what type of combines are being used and see what the straw is like.

Daniel