This week the grain trends report comes from the Pro Farmer Crop Tour in the United States.

The Matif French dried wheat price for December closed at €195.25/t on Friday, 15 August. That was down €4.25/t on the week before.

On Monday, that price remained stable, but on Tuesday it declined to €193.75/t. On Wednesday afternoon that price was up slightly to €194.25/t. Maize, malt and feed barley prices were also down last week, while oilseed rape was up.

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The French oilseed rape price for November closed last Friday at €473.75/t, up €5.50/t on the previous week’s close. On Tuesday evening it was actually down to €472.75/t.

US maize

Last week, the USDA predicted a record maize crop this year. On the Pro Farmer Crop Tour, where crops of maize and soybeans are being sampled and measured across the main corn growing region of the US, reports are that crops are good.

Day one of the Pro tour that the Irish Farmers Journal is currently on travelled to South Dakota where maize yield was estimated up 11% to 174bu/ac. In Ohio, maize yield was up 1% to 185.69bu/ac. Above three for both

On day two, Nebraska’s corn yield estimate was place at 179.5bu/ac, up 3.61% on last year, while Indiana was at 192.82bu/ac, up 3.35%.

All of these yield estimates are above the three-year average yields for the four states.

It should be noted that 1 tonne per acre is the equivalent to 36.74 bushels per acre.

Ireland doesn’t buy loads of maize from the US, but the increase does mean that there will likely be more maize available in the market and impacting on grain prices.

However, Pro Farmer reporters were keen to say: “The crop’s not in the bin yet.” US corn price was struggling to stay above $4/bu as the results came out. See more on page 13.

France

Meanwhile in France, the winter cereal harvest is reported to be complete. Agritel reported that maize in France needs some rain. The corn condition dropped two points from last week. 65% of French maize was reported to be in good or excellent condition this week.

Native prices

As farmers finish up the cereal harvest they are looking at prices. Dairygold has started to pay farmers on account.

The account price for cereals will be the same as last year at €160/t (green, 20% moisture content), oilseed rape is at €370/t and the contract price of €240/t is available to those who set their beans at the minimum price. Payments will be topped up once harvest prices are settled.