Monday Market Briefing - 8th June 2026

Improved weather across major northern hemisphere crops has allayed the worst fears about 2026 production prospects, markets continue to off-load their recent weather premium in the search for competitiveness on export markets. We are still trading above the pre - Iran war levels but a little more modestly than two weeks ago. Grains apparent close correlation with the behaviour of oil prices remains quite striking. Brent crude has settled around $90 / barrel well off its recent highs but still some way from the $70 we came into the crisis at. Both markets then, still have some room to dip if a deal to end the war is achieved.

France has had a nibble at some winter barley, with somewhat ordinary results, it’s very early days and we won’t rush to judgment on the crop just yet. The UK crop might not be so far behind if field reports are true. Wheat in the south east looks to be on a similar timeline to last years very early crop, with the weather due to settle down after this week’s rain passes through we are prepared for another early start to harvest. The first two grain breakfasts of this years season were well attended last week and prompted good debate as always. This week attention switches to the first of our five trials events across the south. On Tuesday we are at Totnes and on Wednesday it’s the turn of Milton Abbas. Do check the Bartholomews website for more details if you would like to attend these events or the many others planned throughout June.

Have a good week.