OSR crushers start up despite quiet trade


By FWi staff


CRUSHERS have opened to take supplies of new-crop oilseed rape, but very little trade is being reported.


The wet summer continues to delay this years harvest, says the Home-Grown Cereals Authority. New-crop rape is currently trading at about £150/ tonne ex-farm and many farmers are reluctant to sell.


Traders suggest that farmers may have sold more forward supplies of rape earlier this year when ex-farm prices were at £160/ tonne for harvest.


Concern now is fixed on growers who chose to swathe their rape this year. Many are worried that swathed crops lying on wet ground could lose quality and yield as the crop remains exposed to the damp weather.


In other parts of Europe, harvest is continuing. But growers in France are also experiencing the after-effects of recent rain.


Reports say the French harvest is mixed and some supplies of oilseed to UK crushers have been hindered by problems with the French rail system.


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