Soaring Barley and Corn Prices Mark the Start of Ukraine's 2026 Sowing Season.

Ukraine's 2026 Planting Campaign Gets Underway

According to Novyny.live: Ukraine is set to launch its 2026 sowing campaign amid a sharp rise in export prices for barley and corn. As of March 17, feed barley had climbed to 9,646 hryvnias per ton—a notable increase from 9,405 hryvnias on March 9. At the start of the month, feed barley was priced at $212 per ton.

Other grain prices are also trending upward. Feed wheat now stands at 9,621 hryvnias per ton, while Class 3 wheat fetches 9,811 hryvnias per ton and Class 2 wheat reaches 9,886 hryvnias per ton. Meanwhile, corn has risen to 9,685 hryvnias per ton, up 157 hryvnias since March 9.

What's Driving Grain Price Increases

Analysts attribute the 2026 grain price surge to unfavorable weather, higher production costs for farmers, and a spike in import demand. These forces are reshaping market dynamics and could have lasting effects on Ukraine's agricultural sector.

Rising grain prices may further strain Ukraine's farming industry, which is already grappling with multiple economic pressures. – Source unknown

With production expenses climbing and import demand fluctuating, Ukrainian farmers could face significant challenges in maintaining business stability. This may lead to shifts in planted acreage and potentially affect the country's food security moving forward.