As harvest kicked off across the country, there were some disappointing yield reports and low moisture contents will not help the weight of trailers.

We all know delivering at low moistures results in weight loss, but at the low figures we are seeing currently with many below 15% and 16%, the bonus payment is even gone.

These low moisture contents are in many other countries. The extremely hot temperatures in Europe are making harvesting extremely difficult, with some being forced to stop due to fire risk.

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The winter wheat harvest has started in England, which is very early. The first yield reports will be interesting.

However, markets are still not moving too much. On Wednesday afternoon, the Matif wheat price for December was at €214.75/t.

It’s up on the week, but is hovering around the same place it has over the past month.

US wheat was in the green on Wednesday, while US corn was in the red with a drop in prices. UK wheat was unchanged.

Corn is a watch point. French corn has risen in price since 15 June as dry weather has concerned traders. At that time, it was at €203.25/t. On Wednesday afternoon this week, it was at €236.75/t, a rise of about €34/t in under three weeks.

However, Ireland buys most of its maize from North and South America.

An El Nino is a big concern for South America. We have written about it in recent weeks, but new reports suggest it could be a very strong El Nino.

RTÉ reported this week that the European centre for medium-range weather forecasts is forecasting an “extreme” event.

Drought would be a concern in areas such as Australia and Brazil, while rainfall could be an issue in other areas.

Oilseed rape prices increased this week due to crop concerns, but also likely linked to oil prices on some level.

On Wednesday, US president Donald Trump said the ceasefire with Iran is over. The impact that the announcement has on markets will be clearer as the week goes on.

November French oilseed rape was at €527/t on Wednesday afternoon, the highest price since early June.

Prices

You can set a price with most merchants as you sell your barley, but offers are unlikely to come freely from co-ops or merchants now as harvest is under way.

So, you will have to call for quotes and agree if you are happy or wait for harvest prices to be announced.

Dairygold is quoting prices for 2027 and farmers can take up those offers. They are good to keep an eye on so you know the pattern of the market.

Oilseed rape might be a crop to consider selling a percentage of for 2027 if you are planting in the coming months.

Green feed wheat for 2027 was quoted at €200/t, barley at €190/t oilseed rape at €465/t.