Grain prices end 2016 on a broadly similar note to the past few months – bits of recent fluctuation, but generally staying broadly similar.

Markets are generally quiet, but that’s normal for the time of year. Some merchants report feed usage up a little, with good demand for native grains. A year ago it was almost impossible to get a buyer at any price.

Concerns about dryness are affecting soya bean prices in South America and this has added a bit more steel to maize prices in recent days.

Currency strengthening in places like Brazil and Russia has also decreased their enthusiasm to sell and this is also helping.

For the moment, sellers in these countries are resisting the drop in local prices needed to compete in international markets. Everything levels out in time.

Oilseed rape prices weakened a bit last week, but the upward drive in soya bean prices has helped to keep November rape at around €400/t dry.

This is an attractive price by any standards and should help drive a significant swing to this crop here come springtime.

But one should seriously consider selling some rape forward soon. Problems harvesting the remainder of the canola crop in Canada may also be helping prices.

Native prices

Native prices remain broadly similar, but with slight upward movement.

Spot wheat may be slightly above €170/t, with barley around €158 to €160/t. March/May prices are put at €174/t for wheat and €162/t for barley. New-crop prices are similar to last week at €170/t for wheat and €160/t for barley for November.