Simply Straw Bedding2.8 Cu Ft Bale

How deep should my straw bed be for a horse stall?

Most owners aim for four to six inches of depth as a working base. For foaling stalls or colder months, going deeper is worth the extra bale — a thick, cushioned bed makes a real difference for a mare and newborn foal. Thin bedding on a hard floor loses its value fast, so don't shortchange the initial setup.

How often should I do a full strip-out when using straw bedding?

That depends on your horse and how diligently you pick through daily, but most owners on straw do a full strip-out once a week and top up with fresh straw in between. Daily removal of wet and soiled patches keeps the bed fresher longer and means your full strip-outs are less of a project when you get to them.

Is straw bedding safe for horses that eat their bedding?

Some horses will pick at straw, which is generally not harmful in small amounts since wheat straw has low nutritional value. However, if your horse is a heavy bedding eater, it's worth monitoring and discussing with your vet — excessive straw consumption can contribute to impaction in some cases. If eating bedding is a consistent issue, pine shavings may be a more practical choice for that horse.

How do I get it — bales, pallets, or a full load?

Single bales are stocked at UFA Farm & Ranch Supply stores right across Alberta, so for a few bales you pick them up locally at the same price — the button on this page takes you straight to the UFA listing. Pallets come direct from us, pickup only from our Olds plant. Delivery is by the truckload: 34 pallets inside Alberta, 28 anywhere else, priced to your address.

What makes Simply Straw different from other bagged straw products on the market?

It comes down to quality control and how the straw is handled from field to barn. Simply Straw is baled dry, stored under cover, and arrives free from mold, bird droppings, seeds, and debris — things you can't always guarantee with bulk or generic bagged straw. The compression also means you're getting a consistent, predictable amount of coverage per bale rather than guessing at how far a loose bale will spread.

How does pallet pricing and pickup work?

Pallets are pickup only from our Olds plant, and they're priced by the pallet rather than the bale, which adds up quickly if you're bedding multiple stalls year-round. Send us a request through the pallet option on this page and we'll confirm your price and book you a pickup time, usually within one business day. We don't deliver single pallets — if it needs to come to you, it goes as a full truckload.

I've never used bagged compressed wheat straw before — is there a trick to opening them?

Cut and remove the bag. Give it a shake and use a fork to loosen it up — it breaks apart easily once the compression releases. There's no special technique required; it just needs a moment to open up before it beds properly.

How does Simply Straw hold up compared to cheaper straw I can source locally?

The difference comes down to how it's handled before it reaches you. Simply Straw is baled dry at harvest and stored under cover in a dedicated straw barn, which means it arrives free from mold, bird droppings, and excess debris. Locally sourced straw can be hit or miss depending on how it's been stored — and straw that's been sitting outside or in a leaky shed can introduce mold and contamination into your stall before you've even spread it.

Can I use Simply Straw in a poultry coop or livestock pen as well as horse stalls?

Absolutely — it works well across the barn. The warmth and insulation straw provides makes it a solid choice for poultry coops, livestock pens, and rabbit hutches, not just horse stalls. It's one of those products that earns its place in more than one spot.

Is straw a better choice than shavings during winter months?

Straw has a natural insulating quality that shavings don't match in the same way — it traps warmth at floor level and creates a cozy layer that horses appreciate when temperatures drop. Many barn managers switch to straw or add a straw base layer during winter specifically for that reason. If you're in a cold climate and your horses are stalled overnight through the winter, it's worth trying.