Tuesday Market Briefing - 6th May 2025

A steady trickle of old crop sellers continues to feed the market with barns being emptied as summer approaches and the new marketing season comes into focus. Prices for the remainder of the old crop period are very close to where they were a year ago, but the carry into new crop is much less attractive so there could be a bit of a scrummage this summer as available markets start to dry up. Generally world prices are in a sideways mood at the moment, crops are in good condition ,certainly compared to a year ago and there’s not much to get excited about.  

That said, we are seeing a little bit of concern about dryness creeping into malting barley prices, our agronomy team reckon the UK spring crop will see some yield penalty now from the extended dry spell. However, with French winter barley enjoying some excellent crop ratings I can’t imagine maltsters will be getting in a lather just yet. Keep an eye on the latest bids as any rally is probably a selling opportunity.

There are also some excellent new crop wheat contracts available right now with flexible, low risk, budget friendly prices attached to them. Early sellers have tended to get the best prices in recent wheat campaigns and it make sense to have at least a small dabble if you haven’t already done so, ( especially if you think you will need some movement pre Christmas. )

Have a good week.