Grain markets were slightly improved on last week, but still remain at relatively stable and low levels compared with a peak at the end of March.

On Wednesday afternoon, the Matif wheat price for December was at €216.50/t. That’s up from €212.25/t on 15 April.

US wheat was following a similar trend, as were corn and soybeans. Corn was also up.

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The extension of the ceasefire in Iran may bring some stability to markets. Oil prices were falling this week, so this is something that will affect all markets.

Oilseed rape

French oilseed rape was holding fairly steady. The November price was looking positive for growers at €505.75/t on Wednesday afternoon. That was its second day over €500/t this week.

When that dried price moves over €500/t, it is really a time that Irish growers should be considering selling some product.

There are offers in the market from co-ops or you can ring your local merchant. The energy markets are aiding this price and the use of biodiesel and its promotion should also be a help.

Fuel and fertiliser prices will always influence what crops are grown and that is already hitting markets.

This week, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) reported: “According to the Grain Industry Association of Western Australia (GIWA), the 2026 wheat area in Western Australia is forecast to fall by 17% to 3.68m hectares, which would be the lowest level since the 1992/93 season, down from 4.45m hectares last year. GIWA also forecasts an 8% larger barley and 33% larger oat area in the state.”

The AHDB also reported maize plantings in France could fall by 10% to 15% due to high costs.

However, there are forecasts for higher plantings in South America.

Argentina’s maize crop for 2025/26 is forecast to hit a record 67m tonnes, up from a previous estimate of 62m tonnes and up from 50m tonnes in the 2024/25 season.

Prices

Dairygold offered suppliers green harvest 2026 prices at the end of last week.

The co-op offered €195/t for green wheat, €190/t for green barley and €470/t for green oilseed rape.

The wheat price is €5/t down on the co-op’s previous offer at the end of March, while barley remains the same and oilseed rape is up €5/t on the last offer.

Tirlán offered €192/t for green wheat at harvest 2026 on Wednesday of this week.

Green feed barley was €187/t in the offer and oilseed rape was at €474/t. Beans were quoted at €225/t. Both co-ops will add co-op and trading bonuses separately.

Spot feed barley delivered to Belfast was reported at £202/t this week. November was £5/t higher. Feed wheat was £5/t higher for both dates.