Spring and the 2023 miscanthus harvest may seem like a distant memory but we are still feeling the impact of what was one of the most challenging harvests we have ever faced.
If you cast your mind back to summer 2022 we had an extremely dry summer which, like with any other crop, impacted our yields. Following this we headed into a very wet spring which meant a very late and challenging miscanthus harvest. Both of the above factors has resulted in a reduced yield for the 2023 harvest than previous years.
In essence, what it means for Burlybed is less raw material to become Burlybed Original, Original Extra and Original pellets. Now we are heading towards the end of the year we are coming to the end of our miscanthus until we have our 2024 harvest in early spring (if the weather is a little more kind!)
We have worked incredibly hard to source additional, good quality miscanthus and manage the stocks we have. Many of our brilliant retailers have stocked up as best they can to continue to supply as long as possible but you may now see some shortages of our miscanthus based products.
As frustrating as this is for us and for you we have a great range of alternative options for you should you be struggling to get hold of our Original products in the distinctive green packaging!
Burlybed Light and Light Extra
You will find Burlybed Light and Light Extra in our red packaging. If you are looking for an alternative to our chopped miscanthus products these are a great option. Made from UK grown oilseed rape straw and chopped to create a soft, supportive and absorbent bed. Burlybed Light is unscented whilst Light Extra has the additional benefit of naturally antiseptic eucalyptus and soothing aloe vera.
Our chopped wheat straw bedding can be found in our yellow packaging. Made from UK grown wheat straw this bedding have plenty of volume for a soft and free draining bed. It has the same fresh scent and antiseptic properties from our unique and natural eucalyptus and aloe vera additive.
If an alternative to Burlybed Original Pellets is something you are looking for then look no further than our newest product, Burlybed Universal Pellets. Made from a mix of oilseed rape straw and wheat straw, Universal Pellets create a very absorbent and economical bed and are brilliant to use either on their own or alongside one or our chopped products to provide additional absorbency.
As many of our team are horse owners, we fully understand how frustrating it is when supplies are challenging, particularly in the winter months, but miscanthus harvest 2024 looking very positive! The crops have had a great years growth and if the weather is kind we could be harvesting at early as February/March with the raw material heading back to the farm to go straight into production.
We are keeping everything crossed for a dry spring and an early harvest!