http://www.glasu.org.uk/en/uploads/documents/WelshThatchingStraw.pdf
Hey Deanne,
This is a paper on thatching straw which covers some rye varieties including LITTLE JOSH.Thatching rye performs best in sandy soil as it produces a straw that is firmer at the base which can take dressing . Loamy soils tend to produce a softer base which as you know would be of lesser quality (the finish)under the legget.
Ryes is fast growing and as there are no herbicides or pesticides involved in nurturing a thatching crop ,the grain makes great bird feed and the heads can be cut off to 14' and put through a combine harvester with the remaining straw bundled and stored for thatching .Just stay on top of the weeds .!
Talk Soon
Mike