Grain markets were dropping this week, but there are positives in the markets.

French wheat and corn have been volatile, while rapeseed is showing an overall downward trend for the past month.

In the US, the trend for the past month has been downwards for wheat, corn and soybeans.

UK prices were also on a downward trend, with the November feed wheat price at £197.50/t on Wednesday, down £3.25/t on the day before and £9.20/t in the week.

On Wednesday afternoon, December 2026 French wheat was at €238.25/t. That’s €10/t behind where it was last week. The 2027 price was at €233.25/t, back from €240.25/t the week previous.

Oilseed rape for November was at €486.25/t on Wednesday afternoon, having dropped from €522/t the previous week – a decrease of €35.75/t.

The November price was more positive at €529.25/t this week. That is still down significantly from €543/t the previous week and shows that it is important to keep an eye on prices and take opportunities when they present themselves by calling your buyer.

At the end of his talk at last week’s Barnett Hall customer conference, renowned economist Dan Basse of AgResource Company concluded on a positive note.

He said: “The grain markets are turning. It just takes one weather problem and you’ll have a big market.”

There was plenty to make listeners think demand will be there for grain.

The move of more corn into fuel production in the US and Brazil being one and while Dan noted it may take a while to build processing facilities, it is in the US farm bill. See more on page 11 and hear from Dan on this week’s Tillage Podcast.

The El Nino is another event that Dan and his team are watching closely.

“This is probably going to be the biggest El Nino that we’ve had,” he said.

In the US, 44% of corn and 64% of soybeans were reported to be harvested as of 19 October.

Some 63% of wheat is estimated to be planted, back 6% on the five-year average for the time of year.

On Monday, US president Donald Trump announced an $8bn aid package for American farmers on the back of high fuel and fertiliser prices, which may help with planting decisions.

Native prices

Last week, the IFA reported November native dried wheat at €260/t to €265/t and native dried feed barley at €245/t to €250/t. Imported maize was reported at around €255/t.

Conventional oat growers received a base price of €232/t this season from Flahavan’s, with moisture and KPH bonuses available.

Please send us prices you are being paid for grain, oilseeds and protein to swalsh@farmersjournal.ie so we can paint a picture of where they are.