by Robin Twizell

RMD Agriculture

CEREAL prices have remained unchanged over the week but with a generally weaker tone. It seems that many end users are happy with their cover at the moment and tend to be rolling some purchases forward.

New crop values have drifted off as reports for the potential of harvest 2004 look good at the moment.

Oilseed markets have again been volatile, with a large sell off in US soya markets forcing our prices down, only to go back up again the following day. A US report due on South American crops is bound to affect the market significantly so it will remain volatile.

Thursday's prices

Grainfarmers, Thorp Arch. - Wheat: Mar £94; April £95; May £96. Barley: Mar: £80; April £81; May £82. Oilseed rape: Mar £174; April £175; May £176.

GrainCo, Tyne Dock. - Wheat: £94; April £95; May £96. Barley: Mar £75; April £76; May £76. Oilseed rape: Mar £174; April £175; May £76