International grain markets rose over the past week as wheat harvest pressure faded and planting begins. Trends in acres planted and maize yields will now be a significant driver of market sentiment for the coming months.

MATIF December wheat closed at €166/t last Tuesday – this was under €160/t in early September. US futures showed less gain in wheat and maize is still under pressure there as harvesting begins.

A continuing improvement in soya bean futures has helped oilseed rape prices. November MATIF was at €363.50/t early in the month and this has increased to €373.25/t when it closed last Tuesday. Physical price remains around €380/t.

Native prices have a slightly stronger tone this week. There is real demand but few sellers and this is helping price. Spot wheat to the trade is put at €173/t, with November at €175 and May nominally at €180/t. Spot barley is put at €164/t, with €166/t for November and €171/t for May.

The big co-ops are expected to finalise green grain prices around the middle of October. Meanwhile, a number of merchants, who are buying to use rather than trade, have been paying €140/t for green barley and €150/t for green wheat.

In Scotland delivered wheat prices was up by about £3/t at the close of business last Friday to €148.50/t.

The average UK ex-farm price for feed wheat was put at £135.10/t last week, with barley put at £119.30/t, both up fractionally.

Wheat delivered Belfast was up £1/t at £158.50/t.