by Robin Twizell

RMD Agriculture

CEREAL prices have held on to their recent gains as a frozen Baltic and a generally weaker pound have helped our export potential. For those of you bored with this year's crop trading, harvest 2004 is valued at £60.

Oilseed markets have been under pressure over the last week, following better weather conditions in South America and rumours of China cancelling cargoes.

Markets have now stabilised at about £20 off the top for old crop but will remain very volatile. New crop prices also come under a little pressure, but again have now stabilised at about £5 off the top.

Thursday's prices

Kenneth Wilson, Thorpe Arch. - Wheat: Feb £62; Mar £62.50; April £63. Barley: Feb £61; Mar £62; April £63. Oilseed rape: Feb £165; Mar £166; April £167.

GrainCo, Tyne Dock. - Wheat: Feb £64; Mar £65; April £65.50. Barley: Feb £64; Mar £64.50; April £64. Oilseed rape: Feb £165; Mar £166; April £167