Oilseed rape yields in France and Germany are better than expected, leading Gleadell Agriculture to raise its EU-27 crop production estimates.

However, worries about hot, dry weather continuing into the key pod filling stage for American soya was underpinning prices, said trading manager Jonathan Lane.

“Rain in southeast Europe and the Black Sea area is hindering harvest and could cut yield potential in these regions.

“But in the UK, farmers appear to be generally pleasantly surprised with the first cut crops,” he added. 

“Better yields may bring some harvest pressure, but seasonal demand should bring higher prices in the medium to longer term.”