Shaffer Farms’ OG Rye Straws Surpass 2 Million — Winning the Battle of the Straws - Locally At Least

Roberts Creek, BC — Sept 2024 — Shaffer Farms has announced that production of its OG Rye Straws is on track to exceed two million units, with more harvests already in progress. The milestone underscores how natural rye straws are quickly becoming a market leader in the race to replace paper and plastic.

Unlike machine-pressed and glued straws that can be churned out in minutes, rye straws follow the rhythm of nature. They must be planted, nurtured, and harvested. But that process, says founder Gerald Shaffer, is part of their greatest advantage.

“While our rye straws are growing, they’re absorbing carbon dioxide, replenishing the soil, and giving back to the environment,” Shaffer explains. “We don’t want to miss that phase. It’s the opposite of waste—it’s a benefit before the straw is even harvested.”

The company’s growth comes as paper and plastic alternatives struggle to maintain consumer trust. Paper straws collapse and often contain chemical coatings; plastic straws are linked to microplastic pollution. OG Rye Straws, by contrast, are unprocessed, chemical-free, and fully compostable. Their natural durability makes them as practical in a cocktail as they are sustainable in the field.

With new partner farms joining the supply network, Shaffer Farms is scaling production responsibly—ensuring year-round delivery while preserving the soil health and crop quality that make the straws unique.

“Every straw we grow is proof that sustainability and performance can go hand in hand,” says Shaffer. “This isn’t just about replacing paper or plastic—it’s about creating a better standard for hospitality.”

At two million and climbing, OG Rye Straws are staking their claim as the clear winner in the battle of the straws—growing as fast as the fields will allow.

For more information, visit www.ogstraws.com.