by Robin Twizell

RMD Agriculture

OLD crop wheat prices are trading in a narrow range around the £70 ex-farm mark. New crop values have eased a bit as end users have now bought what they needed and are taking a back seat.

We are competitive in the export market, but there is still some concern that EU wheat is expensive compared with US wheat and maize.

Oilseed values have remained volatile, responding to currency and weather markets. Total production of oilseed crops is expected to rise, but so is consumption.

Thursday's prices

Kenneth Wilson, Thorpe Arch. - Wheat: May £73; June £74; July £75. Barley: May £67; June £68. Oilseed rape: May £173; June £174.

GrainCo, Tyne Dock. - Wheat: May £73; June £74; July £75. arley: May £66; June £66. Oilseed rape: May £170; June £171.