Nick Baird harvested 14.13t/ha from a 36.6ha field and 14.08t/ha from a second 24.2ha field, with protein levels at 13.5% and 13.75% respectively.

Although there is no official yield record for milling wheats in the UK, the last highest recorded  yield was in 2013 set by Mark Means with his crop of Cordiale averaging 13.41t/ha.

Harvested on 3^rd August, Mr Bairds yields have subsequently been verified over a weighbridge by the local co-operative grain store Chichester Grain, once the moisture was corrected to 15% moisture.

“This is the first year that we have grown Crusoe and as you can imagine we are delighted with the results, we shall certainly be growing it again. At a time when prices are low, it is reassuring to know that we can grow a wheat that not only yields but delivers the quality premium that makes the difference to the bottom line,” he says.

Independent consultant Peter Cowlrick of CCC Ltd and AICC member, who walks the crops on New Barn Farm believesthat that the farms overall 111ha of  Crusoe, drilled on 24 September into chalk, loamy soils has done so well due to very good establishment last autumn and a good growing season, coupled with the sound varietal and agronomic characteristics of Crusoe, particularly for Septoria.

“There is a large scale pig unit at New Barn Farm, and manure from this is applied according to regulations, across the rotation.  We tested the soils in February, and found deep nitrogen levels to be around 50kg and 100kg in the top metre or so of the soil.”

“We used a variable rate approach for fertilizer, using N-Sense canopy imaging ensuring optimal use efficiency. Based on this, a four split N programme of a total of 250kg N was used on the Crusoe, with the first application as a flat rate liquid N+S, followed by two variable liquid applications and finally a solid application of 40kg of N at the flag leaf stage. This was followed up by a foliar urea application at the milky grain stage.”

“This approach seems to have undoubtedly helped deliver the 13% protein despite exceptionally high yields.”

Mr Cowlrick notes that whilst Cruose is well known for its robust ratings, it is important to support these disease resistances with an appropriate fungicide programme. Mr Baird’s Crusoe received a four spray programme, the focus of which was to protect against Septoria and rusts and further into the season, mycotoxins.

Crusoe is a short strawed variety which stands well when treated with a PGR. Good straw strength is a positive attribute for a quality wheat variety, but again a good PGR programme is important to support this, adds Mr Cowlrick.

“The variety is a slightly later to ripen than say for example Solstice, and this allows for a longer grain filling period which undoubtedly contributes to the high yields.”

Since then he has moved onto the group 4 wheat Evolution and yields have been consistently impressive. Last year his Evolution yielded 12.44t/ha, however yields from this harvest have broken the farm record with a massive 15.47t/ha.

“Since 2011, crops have performed well but we have not seen the high yields like those from the Invicta due to seasonal challenges such as reduced light and high disease pressure,” says Mr Hoyles.

“We have been really pleased with the results this season, we have grown just under 100ha of Evolution this year, and the average across this has been 14.57t/ha- and three of these fields averaged over 15t/ha.”

He believes that the gain in yields this year has probably come about as a result of more nitrogen, but mainly getting the right weather at the right time as well as very high levels of sunlight in April, May and June compared to last, based on the farm solar panel electricity production figures.

Mr Hoyles believes that ultimately the yields have been achieved as a result of a close attention to detail right from prior cultivations, controlled traffic to reduce overall compaction, optimizing tyre pressures, and overall good crop agronomy and management and as he points out –“we are fortunate with our soil type!”

All of the harvested four fields growing Evolution were drilled between 19^th September and 4^th October, following mustard, sugar beet or potatoes.  Three of the fields were on our poorer soils and these were drilled at 170kg/ha, the one field of better soil had a lower rate at 125kg/ha.

“Our strategy was to really push the fields to their maximum potential; this meant the high potential soils got a bit more nitrogen. Over the season, the better 11.29 ha field had 280kg/N whereas the poorer fields had slightly less at 205kg/N after sugar beet and 180kg/N after potatoes.

According to breeders Limagrain UK, with regards to nitrogen applications for Evolution, there are a range of opinions on how many nitrogen splits are best, and whether to go on early or save some for a late application.

“You don’t want to let Evolution go hungry in early spring. Little and often does seem to work, if you can manage the fieldwork. Evolution is a taller strawed variety, and as long as the PGR inputs are correct, then on good sites you can raise the rate and push it for yield, says Ron Granger, arable technical manager.

“It’s late-maturing, but I’m not a big believer in saving N until late in the season. It might be too dry and may only come available when the crop’s actually ready to senesces –with the possible results of a lower specific weight.”

“The variety’s bred to maintain its green canopy, so as long as N isn’t limiting throughout the spring, it’ll build this canopy, that’ll then be used to build yield.”

Trace element levels should also be monitored to ensure none are limiting, topping up with foliar applications as required, he advises.

The fungicide strategy at Monmouth Farm generally takes two forms, depending on previous cropping and when wheat was sown. September-sown wheat after vining peas or mustard, for example, produces thicker, forward crops in the spring than later drilling after potatoes or sugar beet, so more robust rates tend to be used at the main timings, Mr Hoyles says.

“Evolution has high disease resistance scores, so there is some scope to question the need for a  robust programme. However, conditions can change quickly and because our yields tend to be fairly high, and often getting sea mists, we are slightly more cautious. Spending a few extra pounds on fungicides is worth the investment if you’re getting the yield at the end of it.”

“Our T0 spray was generally based around 1l/ha Cherokee (chlorothalonil, propiconazole + cyproconazole. Relatively warm and unsettled weather meant that a slightly more robust T1 spray went on of 1l/ha Vertisan (penthiopyrad), 0.75 l/ha Prosaro (prothioconazole,) and 1.0 litre/ha Bravo was applied on the Evolution.

“T2 saw 1.25l/ha Adexar (fluxopyroxad + epoxiconazole)  +1.25l Bravo go on, and T3 was 0.3l/ha Prosaro and 0.4l/ha Folicur.”

With Evolution being quite a tall variety (height without PGR is 88cm on the HGCA Recommended List) Mr Hoyles used a robust plant growth regulator spray to minimise any lodging risk.

Paul Thurlow (pictured below) of Moat Farm, Drinkstone, near Bury St Edmunds has been named as the lucky winner of 20 ha’s of Amalie oilseed rape seed in our national competition.

At the Cereals event earlier this summer, growers were invited to rate varietal characteristics such as disease resistance, agronomics such as standing power, yield etc in order of importance, for their particular farm situation.  Mr Thurlow’s name was drawn from over 384 total entries.

The seed was presented to Mr Thurlow at his farm, by our Oilseeds Product Manager, Will Compson.

The second winner of the two-part competition was Mr G Poulter of Manor Farm, Wennington, near Huntingdon, he is the lucky winner of 20 ha’s of Britannia winter wheat seed.

Many congratulations to them both!

Having worked in the turf and amenity industry for over 25 years, Richard brings a wealth of relevant experience to his new role. He has held both groundsman and greenkeeping positions which saw him working at several high profile golf courses both in the UK and abroad including the role of course manager at The Hertfordshire Golf and Country Club. Complimenting his ‘hands-on’ experience, Richard has also worked in sales and marketing roles within the amenity industry.

Commenting on his appointment, Richard said: “Limagrain UK is a respected company within the industry, with strong brands and a reputation for offering quality products. I wanted to be part of the company, offering good customer service and building strong relationships.”

Providing excellent customer service and offering quality products have been integral to Limagrain’s unquestionable success. The company’s extensive customer base already benefits from the technical advice and support provided by the amenity seed specialists and Richard is looking forward to playing his part.

“I can’t wait to start helping customers produce quality sports surfaces. I’m also looking forward to meeting old friends and new people in the industry.
“I would like to ensure we continue to exceed our customers’ expectations and grow the brands’ presence in the industry using my experience, knowledge and customer service,” he said.

This is the highest yielding crop we have ever had, and we are thrilled with it, says Anna McCowan at seed producers and merchants LC Smales & Son, near Berwick-upon-Tweed. “Rated 9 for yellow and an 8 brown rust and strong against eyespot, mildew and septoria, Revelation has a very robust disease profile and a high yield potential, which made it the perfect choice for this particular situation.”

Ms McCowan believes that the strong emphasis on managing the weed burden as well as possible, within the confines of producing an organic crop, has clearly paid off.

The 9ha field of Revelation was drilled at 220kg/ha at the beginningof October, following two years of white clover. “The clover was ploughed up on 22nd August and we then ran a Kvik-up through the fields twice to reduce the dock population before the crop went in.”
“As the crop began to grow in the spring, it got 2.4t of granulated lime to improve the pH and an application of liquid manganese and sulphur to combat deficiencies. We also ran the sheep over it for a few days to encourage tillering which really got the crop growing.”

“We know from our trials that untreated Revelation has the ability to yield 92% over control, in comparison to a treated value of 103, this small difference of 11% between treated and untreated shows how well the agronomics stack up,” says Ron Granger, arable technical manager with Revelation breeders Limagrain. “As a comparison, market favourite JB Diego which is also considered to be a robust variety, has a 15% difference between treated and untreated.”

Ms McCowan believes that the high yields from this effectively ‘untreated’ crop, have probably come about because the crop got sufficient sunshine at the right time, adding that Revelation is a later maturing crop, so the extra days of sunshine at the end of August –beginning of September will have paid off as this crop was harvested on 10th September.

Ron Granger agrees stating that high yields can be put down to a long cooler season with sufficient rain and sunshine – attributes considered to be valuable for high wheat yield potential.

He adds that Revelation offers valuable agronomic traits required for the organic sector; stiff straw combined with a good tillering ability. Revelation also has excellent disease resistance, particularly for mildew, the rusts, septoria tritici and the additional valuable traits of eyespot resistance (Pch1 resistance) and fusarium ear blight.

Britannia has significantly raised the yield potential for the biscuit wheat sector, offering growers a variety that is yielding as much as the highest yielding hard feed wheats, but with premiums– a valuable proposition as signified by growers during the season of 2015 says Ron Granger, Limagrain UK’s arable technical manager.

This is reflected in the recently published AHDB winter wheat RL 1 year results, where Britannia has performed exceptionally well, points out Les Daubney, cereals product manager with Limagrain. “Looking in detail at individual sites for example at the Spalding site, it was one of the highest yielding varieties with a massive yield of 112% over the control yield of 9.11t/ha – when many of the feed wheats such as Santiago only produced yields around 108% over the control yield.”

“At the East Yorkshire site at Elmswell it was one of only two varieties producing 111% over the control yield of 13.39t/ha, whilst in Barnston in Essex, Britannia yielded on a par with KWS Santiago at 107% over the control yield of 10.05t/ha and well above JB Diego which only yielded 99% of the control yield.”

“Results from NIAB TAG from the same week show similar findings; in Cheshire the variety yielded 12.01t/ha and 104% over the site mean -whereas Group 4 KWS Kielder yielded 0.37t/ha lower which translates into 101% over the site mean. “

Dorit Cohen of AHDB Cereals and Oilseeds says that alongside domestic biscuit, cake-making and distilling markets, there is a strong export market for uks specification soft wheat to Spain, Portugal and North Africa.

“Buyers in these countries struggle to match the quality characteristics of uks wheat from anywhere else. As the consumption of European-style biscuits is increasing in Morocco and Algeria, we’re seeing demand for biscuit-quality wheat slowly increasing.”

“It is important to recognise the specific characteristics of wheats suited to this later dilled slot– they need to be strong tillering, with a faster ear development and growth habit in the spring. As breeders we have various seed growers who drill their wheats after sugar beet or potatoes and we have been able to judge which varieties have done well in this slot, over a range of different seasons and challenges.”

“We have seen some very good results from Evolution drilled in this later slot,” he adds.

“This high yielding Group 4 has proven itself to be a very flexible variety in that it performs well in many situations giving growers a variety that has shown consistency over years, regions, rotational position, soil type and drilling date –without compromising on its top yields.”

The recommendation is that Evolution fits the mid-late drilling slot with a latest safe sowing date of mid-February. Evolution drilled in late November and January trials has given better yields than alternative / spring wheat varieties, a preferred option by many growers, notes Mr Granger.

“However beyond this and once you get into mid-February sowing dates, spring wheats would be the preferred option.”

“In addition, where black-grass is a challenge, trials results have shown that if Evolution is later drilled, the variety would appear to compete with the weed and still goes on to produce yields superior to many other leading commercial wheat varieties.”

“Soils are still relatively warm, so establishment at the moment should be good which is important. However seed rates need to be adjusted accordingly depending on seed bed conditions, date of drilling and weather conditions at the time – and often this requires rates to be raised slightly- but growers will know what works for individual fields.”

He points out that later drilled varieties often have the advantage of requiring lower inputs, and may not for example, require an earlier autumn herbicide. Varieties such as Evolution have robust disease resistances that help to combat and withstand early spring disease challenges.

“Market demand remains high as the human consumption requirements of the Middle East and North Africa continue to rise, so it is important that we have access to varieties that fulfill this added value market – and can make a real impact on the farm gross margin.”

To meet these opportunities, breeders Limagrain UK have brought to the market place an exciting new, very high yielding winter bean, Tundra. Tundra has a pale hilum colour, which makes it potentially suitable for these premium export markets.

Currently in second year recommendation at P2 and due for full recommendation this autumn, Tundra offers growers a 9% step up in yield over market stalwart Wizard at 106 % yield over control, compared to Wizard’s 97%.

This step up in yield is significant enough to make many growers think about making a change to a new variety, says Mr Busfield. “Agronomically the variety fits well on farm, as we have seen with Wizard, as it offers a similar level of ratings for earliness of ripening (8), shortness of straw (8) and standing power(7).”

Farmers who have grown seed crops of Tundra this year have been pleased with its performance in what has been a variable year for winter bean yields. For HJ Hewett & Sons of Pinch Pool Farm, Windrush, Burford, their crop of Tundra was the first bean crop that has been grown on the farm in the last ten years, and the first winter bean crop ever.

“Whilst beans were never going to be the highest earning crop on the farm, we felt that we could make them a useful part of the rotation. We thought we would give winter beans a try and were interested in this new variety; Tundra’s potential; to see if it lived up to its yield promises and also to see how the beans would fit into the bigger farm situation.”

37ha’s of Tundra for seed were drilled on the 15th October at a rate of 130kg/ha using a Horsch 4CO drill into light Cotswold brash land previously ploughed and worked down following high levels of black grass infestation, in the previous winter wheat crop. “It looked promising from start to finish- it was competitive and branched out really well.

Inputs were fairly standard, weed control based around carbetamide and pendimethalin and a two spray fungicide and bruchid programme.”
“We have been really pleased with the crop which yielded just over 5t/ha. We found the beans allowed us to get on top of the black-grass, and having a later drilled crop has worked well for us on the whole. We will be doing the same again this year”

For Charles Mathieson of WA Howes & Son, Crawley Hall Farm, Norton, Bury St Edmunds, beans have always been part of his rotation, grown one year in six. His crop of Tundra yielded around 5t/ha. “I was worried when we had a really dry May how this would affect yields, as the crop was on light soils and they really suffered with the lack of rainfall, but they obviously coped well.”

He believes that getting the crop established is key and that in focusing on this, variability in yields is reduced.

Mr Mathieson drills at the optimum date for the bean crop -not just fitting the beans in when the wheat has been finished. He acknowledges that this carries the risk of the beans being forward, however he has dealt with this by building his own drill and planting seed much deeper than recommended (at 15-20cm) in rows 40cm apart which slows down emergence and lets the plant get its roots really well developed.

However, data collated to date shows that Amplify may also meet the requirement for ukp classification, thereby offering growers an additional outlet for end-market opportunities over the conventional high yielding barn fillers.

According to Les Daubney, cereals product manager for breeders Limagrain, Amplify could become the only recommended Group 4 hard wheat with ukp milling approval.

“This is really exciting news as the option of the pushing for a milling premium on top of high yields gives growers some additional opportunity, particularly when prices can be so unpredictable,” he says.

Early maturing, Amplify is a three way cross between Panorama, which is known for its consistent Group 2 quality, and QPlus which was the first quality bread variety to be added to the RL with WOBM resistance in 2010/11.

Amplify has shown a solid, consistent yield performance over the last two very different seasons and across regions, yielding 105% of controls, which is higher yielding than JB Diego (102%) and on a level with KWS Santiago.

Yield Performance (Source – Candidate varieties / HGCA RL 2015 / 16) – Click on image for high quality image.

Initial tests suggest that the variety meets the requirements for the ukp bread classification, offering export potential as Amplify produces a hard textured feed wheat with good overall physical grain quality.  It has a good Hagberg falling number for its NABIM group 244 and a high specific weight of 77.6kg/hl.

Grain quality (Source – Candidate varieties / HGCA RL 2015/16)

Arable technical manager for Limagrain, Ron Granger, points out that Amplify is backed up by an excellent set of agronomic characteristics and whilst the variety is tall it has inherited the straw stiffness associated with its parents – an important trait for a feed variety if yield potential is to be pushed, especially on the heavier loam soil types.

He notes that it’s early maturity, similar to Solstice, does set it apart from many other recommended feed wheats, and with its WOBM resistance the need for routine pesticide applications is reduced.

Agronomic characteristics (Source – Candidate varieties / HGCA RL 2015/16)

“Amplify has good disease resistance with an 8 for mildew, and a rating of 6for brown rust and the all-important septoria tritici. Yellow rust at a rating of 6 will require monitoring and treating with an appropriate fungicide programme depending on the disease pressure for the season.”

“Data so far suggests the variety may have good potential for the second wheat slot – an attribute arising from the genetics of Panorama which is proven in this slot.”

AMPLIFY Variety Summary

High yielding variety with good grain characteristics and bread making potential

• High yielding feed wheat with additional export potential
• Second wheat potential ( Limited data )
• Very stiff strawed variety
• Earlier Maturity – The same as Solstice
• Good disease resistance profile – although yellow rust will require monitoring
• A robust fungicide programme is advised to fulfil the variety’s full yield potential.
• A feed wheat with good grain quality attributes
• A high tillering variety with a later ear development in the spring
• The variety has resistance to WOBM

Backed up by a sound agronomic package, Butler also offers growers additional attributes that are desirable for strategic rotational decisions.

“This rotational flexibility comes about as Butler has a low vernalisation requirement which means that the variety can be sown from the beginning of October right through to the end of February.”

“The variability in drilling date means that Butler can go in early or as an option for growers looking for varieties to drill after sugar beet or potatoes, thereby offering options and flexibility within the rotation,” says Ron Granger, arable technical manager with Limagrain.

He adds that Butler is medium tillering with a semi prostrate growth habit in autumn, however it is very fast developing in the spring with an erect growth habit and early ear development.

“The ability to move quickly in the spring is a really valuable trait in terms of blackgrass competition – a valuable attribute that growers can make use of within the cultural control arsenal against blackgrass. This is an area that we are looking into much more closely as breeders.”

Bred by Limagrain UK, Butler has consistently proven itself in terms of yield and quality during national list testing. This consistent high yielding ability is no doubt due to the robust disease resistance genetics behind the variety, which is a cross between Group 2 Walpole and the popular Group 1, Crusoe.

“The cross was designed to achieve a high quality bread making wheat with enhanced yield performance and good grain quality from Walpole but with the additional sound agronomic traits, disease resistance and superior bread making quality from Crusoe. Butler also carries the characteristic bright green leaf colouring associated with Crusoe,” says Les Daubney, cereal product manager for Limagrain.

The strong disease resistance of the variety is demonstrated by Butler’s high untreated yield results at 81% over control, 14% above Solstice and 12% ahead of Gallant. Treated yields from Butler show similar trends with Butler producing a very respectable 101% over control, 4% over Solstice and 6% over Gallant.

“We are not seeing anything like the levels of yellow rust that we had last year, however in some of the more susceptible varieties there are signs that it is just starting to creep in.”

Whilst some of the more resistant varieties in the ground this year offer a reduced risk and a degree of flexibility in timing of the spray, it is still important to keep a close eye on all crops and protect accordingly, as we know that the Warrior race can build rapidly, is his advice.

Norfolk farmer Thomas Love, has put almost half of the wheat at Walcott Farms near Norwich down to Evolution this season. Mr Love believes Evolution’s strong yellow rust resistance (rated 9 on the HGCA Recommended List) and high yields (106% of control) make it stand out from other varieties and can even give scope for cost savings.

Some 80ha (200 acres) is in the ground as a first wheat after potatoes or peas this year, alongside fellow Group 4s Leeds and Conqueror.

“Crops look well so far,” he says. “We didn’t start drilling until 24 September so they are not as far forward as some other wheats, but that’s not a bad thing given the relatively mild winter. We’ve seen a bit of septoria but not a vast amount, and Evolution has stayed free from yellow rust so far.”

Agronomy is set to be broadly similar to last season; high yellow rust pressure last spring meant a pre-T0 spray of 0.6litres/ha Capalo (epoxiconazole, fenpropimorph + metrafenone) was applied to the Conqueror, while it was not needed on Evolution.

“This spring has been colder and drier, resulting in lower disease pressure, so everything will get broadly the same approach. But we will assess the situation later to see what are options are when we get to the T3 spray.”

Mr Love believes it is false economy to skimp on early spray inputs just to save money, as this can easily let disease get established which is then harder to control. With lower grain prices across the board this season, maximising yield and getting the most from inputs is key, he says.

Last year’s Evolution averaged around 12t/ha (5t/acre), although yields have been up to more than 14t/ha (5.66t/acre) on some of the best medium loam land in the past.

“I think Evolution is the beginning of a significant change for new wheat varieties coming through and have got big hopes for it if it retains its disease ratings and stays as clean as it is.”

Land is typically ploughed before drilling at a rate of 135-170kg/ha depending on date and conditions. Around 195kg N/ha is applied in three splits of liquid nitrogen at the beginning of March, mid-April and early-May. A robust fungicide programme is typically used (see below for last season’s).

Walcott Farms – Evolution fungicide strategy

• T0 (GS 30): 0.6litres/ha Capalo + 1 litre/ha Piper (chlorothalonil)
• T1 (GS 32): 1litre/ha Vertisan (penthiopyrad) + 0.75litres/ha Rubric (epoxiconazole) + 1litre/ha chlorothalonil
• T2 (GS 39): 1.8litres/ha Ceriax (epoxiconazole, fluxapyroxad + pyraclostrobin)
• T3 (GS 60): 0.8litres/ha Prosaro (prothioconazole + tebuconazole)
• T4: 0.75litres/ha Deacon (tebuconazole)

Carried out by Dr John Walsh of Warwick University on behalf of breeders Limagrain UK,

the survey which will be completed by the end of May, will provide a comprehensive indication of TuYV infection hotspots across the country. TuYV is thought to be the most important, yet least understood viral disease in oilseed rape.

“Overall results so far are showing generally high levels of infection across the three regions that have been tested as part of a PhD project led by Dr Walsh; results from the south of England have detected incidences of as high as 80%, in Somerset incidences of up to 74% and in Yorkshire incidences of up to 72%, whereas in Cardiganshire we found incidences of up to 46%. “

“We will have the final results of this extensive survey at the Cereals Event in June.”

Dr Walsh believes that these high incidences have come about as a result of the high numbers of aphids flying last autumn and to some extent the lack of neonicotinoid seed treatments.

“What we do know is that high levels of TuYV infection can lead to substantial yield penalty as we very clearly saw in many areas in continental Europe last year. In locations with high levels of virus, resistant varieties could out yield non-resistant varieties by 10-15%,” says Dr Vasilis Gegas, senior oilseed rape breeder with Limagrain.

William Compson, oilseeds product manager with Limagrain, recognizes that the problem with TuYV is that you don’t usually see the symptoms until spring.

“Early symptoms of TuYV are expressed by intense purpling of the leaves; later symptoms of interveinal yellowing and reddening of leaf margins are not usually expressed before stem extension and can easily be confused with other stress symptoms and nutritional deficiencies, which is why the effect of the virus is underestimated.”

Looking ahead to next autumn and what this means for the oilseed rape crop, Mr Compson notes that whilst foliar insecticides such as Plenum, can offer some solution to the aphid problem, there is widespread resistance to pyrethroids and primicarb to consider.

“This means that variety choice will be even more critical than ever and will require a change in mind set where resistance and agronomics play an increasingly crucial role in order to protect yield,” he says.

Amalie remains the only commercially available oilseed rape variety with resistance to TuYV on the market, and the variety was re-submitted as a candidate in the 2014-2015 HGCA RL trials based on this trait.

Amalie is a conventional OSR variety that offers a gross output similar to the widely grown variety, DK Cabernet.

“However, our own trials using untreated seed over the last four years have clearly shown that where TuYV is present, Amalie can yield up to around 10% more than non-resistant varieties,” says Mr Compson.

Amalie: Yield, agronomy and disease resistance