Straw bale construction uses baled straw from wheat, oats, barley, rye, rice and others in walls covered by earthen or lime stucco (some use cement stucco, but we typically don’t suggest it). Straw bale are traditionally a waste product which farmers do not till under the soil, but do sell as animal bedding or landscape supply due to their durable nature. In many areas of the country, it is also burned, causing severe air quality problems.