AHDB: International grain and oilseed prices on the rise
International grain and oilseed prices are climbing alongside stronger oil markets, supported by speculative short-covering and crop concerns, AHDB reports. Harvest delays in the US, dry weather in France, Canada, and Russia, and declining crop conditions have fueled price increases. Ireland’s winter crop yields remain strong, though spring crops face stress from May’s drought.
International grain and oilseed prices rises have risen in line with a strengthening oil market, according to analysts with the Agricultural and Horticultural Development Board (AHDB).
There are also indications that crop concerns and short covering by speculative traders have supported cereal prices over recent days.
In the US, heavy rain has delayed the winter wheat harvest, while spring wheat crops have improved after a dry start.
Meanwhile, conditions continue to look generally positive for maize and soya bean crops with planting almost complete.
Limited rainfall is also a concern in Canada. According to AHDB, planting is complete in the top grain and canola (rapeseed) growing province, Saskatchewan.
However, rain will be needed to support crop development.
In France, ongoing dry weather has meant declines in crop condition scores. The winter barley harvest is now underway in that country.
Where spring barley is concerned, the proportion in ‘good or very good’ condition has fallen from 71% to 67% over recent days.
Dry weather is also impacting Russia, particularly in the country’s main winter wheat growing areas. However, the Russian government currently forecasts the 2025 crop at 90.0 megatonnes (Mt), up from last year’s 82.6Mt.
In addition, the grain harvest is also underway in southern Ukraine, which has likewise felt the effects of dry weather. The country’s farm ministry expects a wheat crop of 20.0–22.0Mt, compared to almost 23.0Mt in 2024.
Irish cereals harvest
The Irish winter barley harvest is expected to kick-off in a few days’ time.
The forecast yields for all winter cereal crops grown in Ireland during 2024/25 remain strong.
In contrast, many spring crops sown out in April came under considerable stress on the back of the very dry conditions across the country during the entire month of May.
The winter oilseed rape harvest will follow on at the end of July. And here again, yields look to be promising despite the significant damage caused by pigeons grazing many crops back in February.
Disease pressure on crops remains low at the present time. However, bucking this trend somewhat has been a late season impact of Barley Yellow Dwarf Virus on spring barley crops.
Teagasc research scientists are currently investigating the reasons for this.
Meanwhile, Met Éireann is forecasting somewhat changeable weather for the first week of July. However, there is the prospect of drier and warmer conditions prevailing as the month progresses.
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Source : Agriland
