Dave has used only oat straw. Fall-bought bales should be stored under cover. Don't set them on plastic. In Colorado Springs, Norwest Bank has been looking at straw-bale plans. When dealing with a banker, consider their position.
Banks now know alternative houses can be done, and done nicely.
There's a legitimacy coming to straw-bale and packed tire technologies, but prepare for a few 'no' responses. Half a year should be allowed from excavating to finishing. Add more time if a septic system or a well must be installed. They take the place of fiberglass, but that's all you save, and you offset this if you insulate the roof heavily. Up-front costs are therefore comparable, but the energy savings are better, and there's the ecological aspect to consider.