How to Make Pellets from Hay and Straw? A Comprehensive Guide for Farmers

Pawel Nawrocki
Feb 14
3 min read

Animal bedding is safe and cost effective

As heating and bedding costs continue to rise in 2026, many farmers are looking for ways to utilize every resource available on their land. Converting agricultural waste into high-density fuel or bedding is an efficient way to increase farm profitability. With a miniPelleter, you can easily turn straw and hay into a valuable commodity.

Agro Pellets vs. Wood Pellets: Key Differences in Production and Use of Pellets from Hay and Straw

While wood pellets are the gold standard for residential heating, Agro pellets (made from straw, hay, or energy crops) are becoming a powerhouse in the agricultural sector.

Ash Content: Straw pellets generally have a higher ash content than wood, requiring stoves with mechanical cleaning systems.
Energy Density: Though slightly lower in calorific value than premium pine, hay pellets provide a cost-effective alternative for heating large farm buildings.
Versatility: Unlike wood sawdust, straw pellets are dual-purpose—they serve as both a high-efficiency fuel and a superior, absorbent bedding material for livestock.

Preparing Straw for Pelleting: Shredding and Moisture Control

Successful pelleting starts long before the material reaches the miniPelleter. Because straw is bulky and fibrous, it requires specific preparation:

Size Reduction: Raw straw must be processed through a hammer mill or a specialized straw shredder. The final fraction should be roughly 3-6mm to ensure the pellet mill can compress it properly.
Moisture Optimization: The "sweet spot" for straw is typically between 14% and 18% moisture. If the straw is too dry, it won't bind; if it's too wet, the pellets will expand and fall apart.
Consistency: Ensure the material is free from stones or metal fragments to protect your die and rollers from premature wear.

Benefits of Pelleted Straw as Fuel or Animal Bedding

The transformation from loose straw to pellets offers significant advantages for modern farm management:

High Absorbency: Pelleted straw can absorb up to 400% of its weight in moisture, making it far more effective than loose straw for horse stalls or poultry houses.
Dust and Pathogen Reduction: The heat generated during the miniPelleter process (reaching 70-90°C) helps neutralize bacteria and fungi, creating a healthier environment for animals. However sterylising (hygienizing) is more effective in this area.
Storage Efficiency: Pellets take up about 1/10th of the space of baled straw, drastically reducing the footprint required for winter storage. Pellets from hay and straw are more spece effective.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions about Straw Pelleting

1. Do straw pellets cause "clinkers" in the boiler?

Yes, straw has a lower ash melting point than wood, which can lead to clinkers (hardened ash deposits). It is best used in boilers specifically designed for biomass or those equipped with a self-cleaning burner.

2. What is the hourly output of a miniPelleter when processing straw?

Because straw is less dense than wood sawdust, the throughput is slightly lower. Depending on the model and the fineness of the grind, you can expect between 200 and 300 kg/h on smaller units.

3. Do I need to add binders to make straw pellets?

In most cases, no. If the moisture level is correct and the die is properly warmed up, the natural lignin and pressure are enough to create a solid pellet.

4. Can I pelletize hay that has gotten slightly damp?

As long as the hay is not moldy, you can pelletize it. However, you must ensure the moisture is brought down to the 12-16% range before processing to avoid steam blockages in the machine and keep high quality of pellets.

5. Is pelleted straw safe for horses?

Absolutely. In fact, many professional stables prefer it because it is virtually dust-free, which prevents respiratory issues (Heaves/RAO) in sensitive horses.

Explore our range of straw-processing solutions at www.minipelleter.com.