Prices strengthened further over the past week and then weakened again. Political concerns over developments in the Crimea remain a significant factor in this rise but weather concerns are also part of the current price rise.

Native prices are largely flat or slightly up on last week. Location is an important factor and spot wheat is now around €215 to €218/t. But actual prices move hourly in the current volatility.

All prices tended higher prior to the weekend as the market traded on the uncertainty around the Crimean referendum. Since then things have stabilized with weather events increasingly important. Spot barley is equally variable with prices currently running around €185 to €188/t, depending on specifics.

November prices have also increased and weakened. November wheat is currently stated at €196 to €200/t with barley at €185 to €189/t.

These price movements have been reflected in prices offered to growers over the past week. On Thursday of last week Glanbia offered €200/t for November wheat and €187/t for barley. On Wednesday of this week the offer has dropped to €198/t for wheat and €186/t for barley. Another co-op offered €161/t for green wheat this week and €149/t for barley.

Some small merchant users are offering €152/t for green barley for harvest.