by Robin Twizell

RMD Agriculture

THE only description of the wheat market is "strong and volatile". Prices are moving £3 a day, mostly upwards but with the occasional correction. Firmer US markets and lack of domestic selling are the two main factors, along with weather forecasts in South America. New crop values have also remained volatile but were generally slipping a little lower on the back of an increase in plantings.

Oilseed markets have generally been slipping a little lower but there are still big rumours about what China might need and so markets will, like wheat, remain very volatile

Thursday's prices

Dalgety Arable, Thorp Arch.- Wheat: Nov £110; Dec £111; Jan £112. Barley: Nov £93; Dec £95; Jan £97. Oilseed rape: Nov £180; Dec £182; Jan £183.

GrainCo, Tyne Dock.- Wheat: Nov £108; Dec £109; Jan £110. Barley: Nov £85; Dec £86; Jan £91. Oilseed rape: Nov £181; Dec £182; Jan £183.