Grain prices were up slightly this week, but still fairly steady, with no sign of a big jump.

To give an idea of where prices sit, the Matif French price for December 2025 wheat was at €189.75/t on Friday, up €1.50/t in the week. It was at €189.25/t on Wednesday afternoon. The December 2026 price was at €208/t on Wednesday.

Talks and potential talks between the US and the EU and Ukraine and Russia are being watched by markets.

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US wheat, corn and soybean prices were all up this week as well.

Agritel reported this week that “the markets welcome the initiative”. It said: “The most telling sector for this potential peace pact remains energy.” Oil prices dropped to their lowest since May.

As of 23 November, the US department of agriculture (USDA) reported that the corn harvest was 96% complete.

An estimated 87% of winter wheat has emerged, while 48% is in good or excellent condition. Harvests look like they will return good yields in Australia and Argentina.

Argus Media reported last week that yield expectations were pushed higher following a crop tour of wheat and barley in Argentina.

Malting barley prices have been gradually improving. On Wednesday of this week, the FOB Creil July price was at €190/t, up €2/t in about 10 days and up from €179/t in early October.

Oilseeds

Reuters reported this week that China bought “at least 10 US soybean cargoes in new deals after Trump-Xi call”.

The report on Wednesday stated that cargoes estimated at a value of about $300m were bought since Tuesday, after the call between the country’s presidents. Each cargo would have about 60,000 to 65,000t.

Native prices

At home, prices fell slightly this week. Spot wheat (dried) was reported at €215/t or below, while barley was at around €212/t or below.

Maize increased a little bit this week, which might help wheat and barley demand.

Dairygold offered growers prices on Wednesday of this week. It placed wheat at €190/t green and barley at €180/t green. An oilseed rape price of €445/t green was offered.

The prices are lower than those offered by Quinns of Baltinglass last week, but do not include any co-op bonus.

However, they are still probably not bad offers in the current market.

Growers should be looking at their cost estimates and know a price to sell at.

Those with oilseed rape in the ground might consider some sale, especially as oil prices have fallen, although the sale of soybeans by the US to China should help markets.