Improved OSR crop offers relief for UK growers

Growers with oilseed rape in the ground are generally faring better than at this time last year, with crops progressing well and farmgate prices remaining relatively supported.

More than 80% of winter oilseed rape plantings have been rated as in either good or excellent condition, according to the latest industry report compiled by RSK Adas, a considerable improvement on the same month last year.

The UK rapeseed crop is also expected to be significantly larger this year with the planted area estimated to be up by a third on 2024-25 levels.

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Improved potential yields, combined with a larger planted area, could see domestic production return to its highest level for several years, following a sustained period of decline for the UK crop.

However, any adverse weather conditions in the coming months could have an impact on crop prospects, and UK rapeseed remains more susceptible to pests such as cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) following the ban on neonicotinoids.

UK rapeseed was quoted at up to £435/t on 15 April for August 2026 delivery, with markets still relatively bullish.

Global markets continue to be volatile, with Paris rapeseed futures hovering around €500/t (£435/t) for the May 2026 contract midweek, having previously peaked at €524/t (£455/t) last month.

Markets have been reacting sharply to trade developments linked to the Iran war, with sentiment largely being driven by geopolitics rather than underlying supply and demand fundamentals.

Support was initially added to oilseed markets due to the wider global oil complex lifting when crude oil prices skyrocketed.

However, markets have eased back to some degree in the past week since tentative peace talks began between the US and Iran.

Traders at CRM AgriCommodities say grains had generally followed oil prices lower on hopes of diplomatic progress in calming Middle East tensions, with Brent crude falling back below $100 (£74) a barrel.

A weaker sterling has offered some respite for UK growers, with the crop becoming priced more competitively.

Looking forward, it’s a mixed picture for UK growers, with prices still relatively firm but some pressure possible later in the year if larger crops are achieved at both a domestic and global level.