Brandon, I think you will have fine compost once you sift it. I've only composted straw once but it went fine. I too would like one of the chipper/shredders...it's on my list.

Val

I compost straw often - when I can get it anyway as we are mostly hay-country here and store bought straw is expensive - and agree that is does take time to break down unless you chip it up first. It's a great compost additive, high in carbon and the hollow stems help keep the pile aired and lighter.

But it isn't a quick component. Like leaves that aren't first shredded, time is required for it to decompose fully - close to a year here.

But then I use all my compost at various stages anyway. Nothing says good compost can't continue to decompose 'in place'. ;)

Dave

I compost straw regularly, but usually I don't toss it in, all at once. I keep a few old bales stacked next my pile and I'll fork a section of bale in as needed. If I am low on browns, or need to cover up greens, then I add straw.

Keep it wet and fluffed.
IALBTC

I use one of these to help me process straw before I compost it.

{{gwi:321112}}

In fact, she won't let me put any on the heap unless she's got her teeth on it first...

Next year I'm going to try this thing for shredding the straw. It's a very old McCormick Deering Ensilage Cutter No.5. It was used back in the old days to cut the feed and blow it up into a silo. Should chop the straw easily. I was going to use it for leaves but with the amount of foreign objects in the bags, it isn't safe.

Lloyd

P.S. I really do like the organic method of straw processing, she has cute ears, real BIG.