Markets remain uncertain and volatile. While they are moving up and down – and in recent weeks have generally kept the small gains – it is hard to say that an upward trend has developed.

War, politics, currency, input prices, weather, funds trading and many other factors are impacting on markets.

Some of these things are linked and others are factors that we watch all the time.

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Farmers will be watching planting decisions across the Atlantic and in the southern hemisphere, but we must continue to remember that there is a lot of grain in the world at present and that will continue to weigh on the market.

While the markets are difficult to navigate, there are opportunities to sell.

Prices are moving up and back down and it could be wise for farmers to take some of the offers on the table for harvest 2026.

If you were offered €200/t for green wheat in the last few months, it would have seemed like a great offer given where markets have been.

Granted, fertiliser prices have gone out of control, but when did you buy your fertiliser?

What is your cost of production and at what price will you make a profit? Is it a good idea to balance risk by taking an alright price now?

EU report

This week, the European Commission’s crop monitoring report forecast production down for wheat, barley, rye, triticale and rapeseed from 2025, although those forecast yields are up on the five-year average.

Weather was reported as favourable in recent weeks, with some excess rainfall in southwest Europe and a deficit in parts of northeast Europe.

Planting of French spring barley was reported to be close to complete, with some localised delays due to wet soil conditions, but good weather has helped to get crops planted.

Overall, winter crops look to be in pretty good condition, with spring sowing progressing well in many countries.

Prices

The December price for Matif wheat (dried) closed on Tuesday evening at €217.50/t, up after a drop from €221.75/t last Thursday. On Wednesday afternoon, it was at €215.25/t. The highest price of the last month was €222.50/t on 13 March.

Oilseed rape for November also closed up on Tuesday at €493.75/t. On Wednesday afternoon, it dropped to €489.25/t. Its peak of the last month was €499.50/t on 12 March.

At home, little demand for wheat is still being reported and prices reflect that, with dry spot wheat and barley reported at less than €225/t.

November prices are looking up on last week at €215 to €220/t for dry barley and €225 to €230/t for dry wheat.

Dairygold offered growers harvest prices of €200/t for green feed wheat, €190/t for green feed barley and €465/t for oilseed rape this week.