Ups and downs in grain market
The grain markets appear to be doing a Duke of York impression at the moment as we have been marched to the top of the hill and we are coming back down again now.
How much grain is left to market in the UK is anybody’s guess and I suspect the grain sheds in the eastern counties hold the secret.
New crop oilseed rape is flying and must be worth a thought as to whether to cover some or not. The fertiliser market has risen significantly since last May and I have a sneaking suspicion that new season prices will come off the blocks at a fairly high level.
We are told that the price of ammonium nitrate is tied to the price of oil but in reality, I think the price is more closely tied to the price of wheat.
A new and very exciting wheat variety has been launched this year and that is KWS Dawsum. This variety is a very high yielder with a massive bushel weight and good disease resistance. First indications suggest that it is as good early drilled as it is late drilled.
David Roberts, G O Davies (Westbury) Ltd grain merchants
