Abstract: Straw spreaders are normally controlled manually by the operator and it is therefore extremely difficulty to continually adjust the speed of the spreader so that the straw layer is reasonably even because the density of the straw varies continuously across the average field. The present device includes a rheostat sensor at the straw walker that controls the speed of the orbital motor driving the spreader blade assemblies. This results in a relatively even spread of straw taking place regardless of the variation in straw density as the motor slows down under a light load and speeds up when heavy straw is encountered. The operator can, of course, control the on/off functions from the cab if, for example, it is desired to spread alternate swaths.