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Seed prices for winter cereals are running £40/t to £50/t higher compared with last year on the back of higher grain prices and a surge in the number of farmers looking to plant winter crops over spring cereals.
While prices vary depending on the variety of grain, reports from farmers and merchants indicate that winter barley is moving from £445/t to £495/t for basic seed.
Additional treatments to improve germination can add £30/t to £100/t on top of these base prices.
Early price reports for winter wheat are more typically starting from £470/t, depending on variety and before seed treatments.
Merchants indicate that supplies of seed are limited, with most varieties being sourced from seed houses in Britain.
Due to high demand, farmers can expect delays of one to two weeks before taking delivery of seed, and should factor this into their timeframe for planting crops.
The move to grow more winter crops comes after a reasonably successful completion of the spring cereal harvest, and favourable planting conditions at present.
Opting for winter cereals is seen as a lower-risk option compared with spring cereals, especially after the late spring delayed planting earlier this year, impacting on yields of grain and straw.
Straw eases
Meanwhile, demand for straw has eased, leading to a small reduction in price.
Reports indicate that 4x4 round bales of spring barley straw are selling from £22 to £25/bale, excluding haulage, which puts straw at £130 to £150/t.
Back in August, straw prices hit £160/t amid fears of a potential fodder shortage.
Large square bales measuring 8x4x4 are selling from £70 to £80 for local supplies, with straw imported from Britain at similar prices.
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