Grain prices hit a peak last Wednesday 22 July. The French wheat price for December closed the day at €247/t. That was an increase of €13.25/t in the week.

It held at €245/t on Thursday. However, it quickly retreated and fell to €236.25/t on Friday. On Wednesday afternoon this week, it was at €233.50/t.

UK and US markets also peaked at this time. Many things were at play – concerns over supply coming from the Black Sea region, conflict in the Middle East and drought across Europe affecting yields.

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Oil had begun to drop in price, but was climbing again this week. More strikes in the region were likely watched by markets and while the region does not produce large amounts of grain, energy prices and logistics affect the market.

French corn followed a similar trend, although hitting higher with a peak of €259.75/t on the November contract.

French oilseed rape for November peaked at €563.50/t on 23 July and was at €534.50/t on Wednesday afternoon.

The Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB) said in its weekly report that: “The main market driver is continued disruption in the Black Sea, as further attacks on ports and commercial vessels deter shipping calls and push war-risk insurance and freight costs higher.”

Tirlán released prices last week for harvest 2026 of €208/t for green wheat, €198/t for green barley and €515/t for green oilseed rape.

When considering any offer from a merchant or co-op, farmers should consult with their agronomist or sales manager on any prices coming out and check what is locked in – the one in the text or does it depend on where the market closes at the end of the day.

If you are considering a large chunk of grain, you can probably lock in on a price with a few phone calls.

EU report

Total cereal production was estimated down 4% from the previous month’s report.

Yields are estimated down 1% on the five-year average.

Since the June report, wheat yield was estimated down 2%, barley down 1%, grain maize down 2%, potatoes down 3%, sunflowers down 7%, soybeans and beans down 5% and peas and rye down 2%.

The EU’s crop monitoring in Europe report came out on Monday and the map that opens the report marks hot spells and water deficits across much of mainland Europe.

Stress

Heat stress was reported for Spain, northern and central Italy and Ireland, while heat stress and water deficit was reported for France, parts of Belgium, Luxembourg, southwestern Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Czechia, Hungary and western Romania. Water deficits were reported in southeastern Poland, western Ukraine and northern Turkey.