image expired

Progress across the continent is going well too with 100% of French spring barley planted and as of April 15, nearly 80% had emerged. In Germany, conditions were more variable with a long winter putting pressure on cereals and soils while in Sweden, drilling had started in the south but had just started in the North.

Across in Canada, 2013 prospective plantings released yesterday saw a jump of 12% on last year, something which forecasters were not predicting. The majority of this is on the back of reduced rapeseed area’s, which are forecast down from 21.5 million last year to 19.1 million this year.

In the Ukraine, things were also looking rosy with rumours of record corn harvests.

As this year’s crop gets underway though, current crops being marketed have been subject to some prices drops though.

Yesterday, EU grain prices slipped, with May 13 London wheat dropping to a low not seen since last July, likely to be on the back of optimistic spring sowings. It was down GBP 1.05/ton with new crop Nov 13 down GBP 1.15/ton to level at GBP182.85/ton.

While sowing in the UK is nearing the end, a good growing season will be needed else more volatility could be seen in the grain markets.