Using straw as a source of income - production of animal bedding

Straw, a common byproduct of agriculture, is often viewed as waste that goes to waste
and rots. However, there are many ways this straw can be used, not only as a valuable material for animal bedding, but also as a new source of income for farms.
Farms around the world deal with large amounts of straw, which is produced after harvesting cereals such as wheat, barley and oats. Traditionally, straw was mainly used as animal feed or to produce energy in the form of biomass. However, with technological progress and market development, new possibilities of using straw have appeared.
One such application is the production of animal bedding. Bedding, a layer of material spread on the floor inside buildings, has many benefits for both animals and
as well as for farms. Bedding provides warmth, insulation, adequate humidity and comfortable sleeping conditions for animals. Moreover, it effectively absorbs moisture and controls odors
and maintains hygiene in animal rooms.

The animal bedding industry is currently developing in many countries, and Poland has great potential for its development. The laying hen flock in Poland numbers 51 million hens, making it the second largest in Europe (after Germany). This is a huge number of animals that require appropriate bedding, and currently the Polish market is not yet fully saturated.
Turning straw into animal bedding can bring many benefits to both agricultural producers and the environment. First, farms and ranchers can find a new source of income by producing and selling bedding to other livestock farmers. This will enable them to generate income all year round, regardless of seasonal conditions and harvest times.
Secondly, using straw to produce mulch reduces the amount of organic waste that ends up in landfills or is incinerated, which can lead to harmful greenhouse gas emissions. Instead, the straw is processed into a value-added product that can be used in animal husbandry.
It is also worth noting that the production of straw bedding is relatively cheap and easy to implement. The process can be automated, which speeds up production and reduces costs.
Application
Straw, which was previously perceived as agricultural waste, can be a valuable source of income for farms through the production of animal bedding. Using straw in this way not only allows you to generate revenue all year round, but also reduces the amount of organic waste and contributes to environmental protection. Poland, with one of the largest flocks of laying hens in Europe, has huge potential in the development of this sector. Therefore, it is worth considering investing in the production of animal bedding, which can bring benefits to both farmers and animals
and to the entire society.