Wheat prices were relatively steady over the past week in Europe, but down in the US.

On Wednesday 7 October, French wheat for December was at €244.25/t. On Wednesday afternoon this week, that was up at €246/t and had been up and down in the week. December 2027 wheat was at €238.50/t.

As the November corn contract comes near an end, prices rose. November French corn was at €302.50/t on Wednesday afternoon, up €13.50/t on the day before and up from €273.25/t on 9 October.

ADVERTISEMENT

November rapeseed was also up at €521.50/t, while November 2027 rapeseed was at €542/t.

At that price, it’s probably worth a consideration to sell a small bit ahead if your crop is established well. Overall, rapeseed is up in the last month, with some dips along the way.

Continued unrest in the Black Sea and the Middle East is affecting markets. Oil prices have been climbing, likely having an impact on oilseed rape prices. Some wheat tenders helped the wheat market.

The rise in French corn prices is reflective of the poor yield from the crop and likely poor stocks in place. The November contract has three weeks left and has increased rapidly this week.

WASDE

The World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE) report was released on 9 October.

The report said: “The NASS small grains annual summary estimated wheat production slightly greater at 1,534 million bushels on an increased yield more than offsetting reduced harvested area. Despite the increase, this remains the smallest US wheat production since 1970.”

Global wheat outlook for 2026/2027 is for higher supplies, greater consumption, reduced trade and slightly lower ending stocks.

US corn production is up on increased production. Global coarse grain production is forecast lower by 1m tonnes to 1.589bn tonnes.

In the EU, corn production is reduced. The report stated that French corn production is forecast down 38% from last year.

Soybean production is forecast up, while palm oil production is forecast down 2.5m tonnes, which would bring production to its lowest since 2017/2018.

Argus Media reported Agreste’s French production estimates, with soft wheat production up 5.6%, durum wheat up 15.6%, barley down 11%, rapeseed up 1.7%, sunflower up 14.2% and corn down 48.1%.

Prices

At home, prices of €253/t to €255/t were reported for dried feed wheat, while dried feed barley was reported at €245/t.

Some farmers have sent in prices, which helps to give a better picture of what people have been paid. Send dockets in confidence to swalsh@farmersjournal.ie.