Japan to import straw for use in cow feed

“Straw is not a high protein or energy source, but if supplemented properly it can be used as roughage for bred cows in limited circumstances,” said a representative from the Japan Beef Import Export Association in reference to the agreement.

The scale of Japanese dairy farmers is about 4.3 million cows, the representative said, adding that requires a lot of straw imports each year.

Director Nguyen Thanh Phu of the Hau River Farm said if nothing changes, the first consignments of straw will ship to Japan after the 2015-2016 winter-spring crop season is over.