Grain prices showed little changes on international markets this week.

The Matif wheat price climbed slightly last week to €211.50/t on Friday. On Wednesday afternoon, it was down to €208.75/t. French maize for November was at €200.75/t on Wednesday afternoon.

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) reported the US winter wheat harvest is almost complete and that the French wheat harvest was 71% complete by mid-July.

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The AHDB also reported: “Russia had harvested 11m tonnes by 11 July, less than half the volume gathered by the same point last year.”

The harvest in Ukraine was also reported to be behind and Argentina’s wheat production has been forecast down to 20m tonnes, but it is still estimated to be bigger than last year’s.

The European Union published its crop monitoring report for July this week.

It stated: “Yield expectations for winter crops are above average for Romania, Bulgaria, France, Spain, Ireland, the Nordic countries and the Baltic countries, thanks to a sufficient water supply along the season.”

However, the report noted that spring crop yields are expected to be back due to dry conditions and high temperatures, particularly in Hungary, Romania and Bulgaria.

Oats

The total oats area increased by almost 3,800ha this year. However, markets are limited outside of the premium markets.

Export homes will be needed again if not used here in Ireland. Prices of €160/t to €180/t are being talked about for the crop, a less attractive price.

This week, the Irish Grain Growers Group (IGGG) called on Government and industry to support homegrown grain by implementing clear labelling and segregation of GM and non-GM products, prioritising the use of native grain in livestock and food production and by offering financial and policy support to encourage greater use of Irish cereals, pulses and oilseeds.

Oilseed rape recovered last week, closing at €484.50/t, up from €475.50/t the week before.

It had reached €487.75/t last Thursday, but went back down to €480.75/t on Monday, but was at €484.75/t on Wednesday afternoon. Canada is a big producer of the crop and weather is suitable for the crop at present.

Native prices

Prices for barley and wheat at home remain similar to last week at €210/t to €215/t for dried barley and €220/t to €225/t for dried wheat for November.

Spot prices are about €5/t below this.

Maize is available at €215/t into the country in November.