by Robin Twizell

RMD Agriculture

GRAIN prices have improved a little over the last week, following rises in US markets. The price rally has taken wheat back over the £100 mark but things do look a little nervous, with the EU balance sheet being finally balanced, so end of season prices will depend on whether harvest is early or late.

Oilseed rape prices should have improved significantly if we were to follow US soya values, which have carried on upwards as South American harvest tonnages are reduced. The only problem is that world oilseed rape supply is plentiful at the moment so prices have remained more or less unchanged.

Thursday's prices

Grainfarmers, Thorp Arch. - Wheat: April £100; May £101; June £102. Barley: April £81; May £82; Jun £83. Oilseed rape: April £179; May £180; June £181.

GrainCo, Tyne Dock. - Wheat: April £100; May £101; June £102. Barley: April £80; May £81; June £82. Oilseed rape: April £179; May £180; June £181