Cereals
Business and Policy October 2025 – Arable
Market Overview Grain and oilseed markets enter the final quarter of the year under the weight of ample global supply, volatile macroeconomics, and uneven demand recovery. Early autumn weather across the UK has generally been favourable, with rains aiding crop establishment and winter wheat drilling underway. However, despite good agronomic conditions, markets remain under pressure…
A Practical Guide to Arable Contract Farming Agreements
In a sector still facing challenging commodity prices, collaborating with another business to maintain or improve margins will be attractive to those looking to restructure how they operate. This article highlights the principles of a contract farming agreement as one possible solution. A contract farming agreement is a straightforward joint venture agreement whereby a landowner…
Business and Policy September 2025 – Cereals
Harvest off to a Fast Start This harvest may well prove to be one of the swiftest that farmers can recall given the exceptional harvesting conditions and drying winds. The fine spell through July continued through August, giving successive heatwaves over the summer and, as a result, the majority of winter barley grain went into…
Safe Holding Times in Store for Crops Before Drying
With harvest in progress and potentially a backlog to drying grains, here is guidance on the maximum safe storage durations for combinable crops between harvest and drying. Holding crops at high moisture levels without timely drying or cooling can lead to spoilage, loss of germination, reduced alcohol yield, or rejection at intake. The information below…
Business and Policy August 2025 – Cereals
Global Oversupply vs Regional Tensions The global grain market continues to lean bearish, driven by significantly increased production across major exporters. Wheat and maize output are forecast to rise in Europe, South America, and the US, contributing to ample supply and keeping global prices under pressure. Despite firm demand, particularly for biofuels and reasonably good…
Understanding This Season’s Yellow Rust Breakdown
June’s Newsletter reported on the confirmation that the yellow rust YR15 resistance gene had been overcome this season with the breakdown particularly evident in Northern regions of the UK. But what are the implications for reassessing the current RL list yellow rust resistance ratings? YR15, discovered in the 1980s, had been a cornerstone of wheat…
Winter Wheat Choices 2025/26
Deciphering all the pro’s and cons varieties currently on the market in the UK. Steve Hoad (Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, SRUC) provides his commentary and top picks for Scotland’s growers. Yield performance relates to the AHDB North region – which extends from the Scottish and English borders, and the east and north of…
Winter Barley Choices 2025/26
There are over 30 winter barley varieties currently on the market in the UK. Steve Hoad (Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, SRUC) selects his top picks amongst those reviewed Yield performance relates to the AHDB North region – which includes the Scottish and English borders, and the east and north of Scotland. The East…
Business and Policy July 2025 – Cereals & Oilseeds
UK feed wheat futures attempt rebound amid geopolitical tensions and weather risks UK feed wheat futures (Nov-25) rallied by £5.15/t (+2.9%) for week ending 20th June, closing at £185.00/t and surpassing the 20-day moving average. While this marks a notable rebound, it remains too early to confirm a reversal of the broader downward trend that…
CropCast – Grain Storage
In this episode Tiffany Stephenson is joined by George Chalmers to discuss grain storage and the importance of making sure stores are ready for harvest. Welcome to Cropcast, your go to podcast for all the latest information on arable crops. Each month, SAC advisor, Tiffany Stephenson will be joined by a range of industry experts,…