With oilseed rape values seemingly void of the volatility that has affected wheat prices of late the decision as to which spring cropping option is likely to give the best return seems fairly clear-cut. 

Frontier Agriculture’s Northern Commercial Seed Manager David Waite is expecting strong interest in spring oilseed rape this season as growers seek to take advantage of the favourable prices.

“Oilseed values are far more supported than wheat prices at the moment. The high price of crude oil of $118/barrel coupled with the EU oil embargo of Iran is helping to sustain prices for European oilseeds while the demand for Soya, principally from Asia, puts another floor in the market that supports EU prices.”

For those looking for a variety that combines the ability to stand strong and mature early with the hybrid vigour to establish fast even in difficult seasons, Frontier is has a specific recommendation: Delight.

It is one of two hybrid varieties the company is offering to growers this season and is being promoted as the most suitable option for those needing an early maturing crop with strong hybrid attributes.

“Delight has good all-round characteristics with a high gross output. It performed well with growers and fits in well, particularly with those in the north where the pressure to get crops off in good time is high.”

At about £360/tonne, November 2012 oilseed rape futures are maintaining a healthy premium over feed wheat which is currently trading at around £150/t for the same time. But recent reports suggest that wheat’s position is set to be eroded by high stock levels and a favourable corn (maize) harvest in the United States.

“A large new-crop production shortfall would be required to bring wheat prices back to trading at a sustainable premium to corn prices later this year,” said Goldman Sachs in a recent market comment.

The statement came after the US Department for Agriculture released its monthly World Supply and Demand Estimate (WASDE) which put wheat ending stocks for the 2012-13 season at an all-time high of 213m tonnes – 3m tonnes higher than the previous month’s estimate.Delight is the earliest maturing restored hybrid on the HGCA 2012 Descriptive List with a gross output of 101% and one of the most impressive suites of agronomic scores.

Les Daubney from Limagrain says the variety has shown great resilience since it was first listed in 2009. “Delight has proven its credentials as a solid performer over what have been some challenging seasons. Its gross output has consistently been towards the higher end of the table and its strong set of agronomic features has installed it as a favourite among growers looking for an early maturing variety with less management requirements than a winter variety.”

Although there has been a significant increase in grass seed prices in 2012 this needs to be set against the fact that  a good quality ley, that is well managed, is still the cheapest source of energy for livestock. On this basis Limagrain UK stresses that livestock farmers should continue to re-seed their pastures to take advantage of the real cost savings that will be generated from a newly sown ley.

For example, a new grazing ley will yield around 10 tonnes/ha of DM whereas an old pasture may struggle to reach 7 tonnes/ha of DM. This means that it can cost only around 5.5p to produce 1kg of DM yield from a new ley, whilst for an older ley the figure is closer to 9.5p. Similarly, if you look at the comparative figures associated with silage leys then the cost of producing 1kg of DM can be as high as 17p with an old ley – a very significant 7p more than a new ley. It is also important to point out that newer leys also offer other tangible benefits – including at least an extra 1 MJ/kg DM of metabolisable energy. Limagrain's Ian Misselbrook takes up the story.

“Grassland is a worthy investment as older leys are less palatable and grass is less digestible in the rumen. This leads to lower intakes and consequently a reduction in milk and meat output from grass. In addition, weed grasses, which are all too often found in older pastures, do not respond as well to nitrogen fertiliser.”

He explained that the price of grass seed has risen this spring due to high consumption in Europe and North America. In part, this is due to the recent harsh winters in Europe, and summer droughts that have damaged pastures. He says that the global rise in cereal and oil prices has made the production of grass seed more costly.

“Grass seed prices are predicted to keep rising into 2013 so reseeding this year will be cheaper than waiting until next year. In addition these younger leys will also be capable of delivering higher DM yields with better nutritional quality than old leys,” concluded Mr Misselbrook.

Progressive farmers who are keen to re-seed their grass fields and take advantage of all the benefits linked with a new ley can locate and download a comprehensive range of relevant technical publications via Limagrain's user-friendly website ( www.limagrain.co.uk/grass ).

March 2012

Limagrain UK has just launched Beta-Maize – an innovative feed concept which is currently being used very successfully in Denmark. This high energy feed for cattle is based around the mixing of fodder beet and maize in the same clamp and it provides an all year round feeding option.

The approach to this interesting combination is to ensile crushed and chopped fodder beet and maize at the same time using a ratio of one part fodder beet to three parts maize. Once the ensiling operation has been completed then no more feed preparation is needed. The sugars from the fodder beet and the starch and fibre from the maize combine together to create a high energy feed. Beta-Maize is also highly palatable and significantly increases dry matter intakes in cattle. The end result is an excellent home-grown feed which reduces the need to purchase expensive concentrates.

Limagrain's John Spence outlines the best way to grow Beta-Maize and which varieties to grow for optimum results:

“Farmers should harvest their fodder beet and maize simultaneously. The maize variety selected should be suitable for their area and able to reach 32% DM by harvest. The variety Activate would be a first class choice for this purpose. The fodder beet needs to be high yielding and should have a high DM content as this will prevent effluent run off from the clamp. Ideally, a variety with a low dirt score should be grown because excess soil will lead to spoilage. The varieties we recommend include Robbos and Blaze.”

Mr Spence says that Beta-Maize offers a high energy feed concentrate that enables farmers to feed fodder beet not just for a few months but all year round.

The company has published a new leaflet specifically on this concept and this can be viewed or downloaded from the Limagrain website. Navigate to the maize section via the menu on the left hand side of the page and then click on the appropriate pdf file at the top of the page (Beta-Maize Silage Guide 2012).

March 2012

Due to the mild winter and spring, some of the early drilled crops are moving rapidly through the early growth stages. In this situation it is important to apply your fungicide and PGR products in relation to the growth stage of the crop and not the appearance of the crop!

The advice from the agronomy team at Limagrain is to use a knife to determine exact growth stage by dissection, and not by calendar date or physical size of the crops, when planning PGR and fungicide applications.

PGR timing: PGRs should be applied according to apical development stages, with the key timing for CCC based products at the ‘glume-lemma’ stage. The best way to identify this stage is by dissection, however targeting PGRs when the first node is starting to move off the base (Zadoks 30) is acceptable for those unfamiliar with dissection techniques.

Fungicides: Due to the very mild winter and spring, high levels of disease have been found in some crops. “Over 50% of the wheat in the ground this year is susceptible to yellow rust and over 75% susceptible to brown rust. Higher than usual levels of mildew have also been found and we must not be complacent about the most notorious, yield robbing disease Septoria tritici,” says Ron Granger, wheat breeder for Limagrain UK.

“The correct assessment of both the varietal disease profile and the crops situation on the farm must be taken into account when planning this season’s fungicide programmes. It is essential that the T0 and T1 fungicide treatments are both robust and correctly targeted, to be efficient at maintaining a healthy crop through the spring period.”

“Today’s grower has the choice of very effective chemistry to choose from to ensure a healthy crop, and depending on the risk associated with the variety being grown, the balance of costs involved should be weighed up. However my view is that it is far more cost effective to keep a crop canopy healthy by preventative applications at the early growth stages than to apply curative or preventative treatments at the later stages of crop development, and find yourself chasing disease for the rest of the season,” he advises.

For more information or to speak to one of the team please contact us on 01472 371471.

Limagrain UK is running its maize under plastic trial for a fourth year, to provide growers in this country with up-to-date information on how different varieties perform. The trial will look at 12 of Limagrain’s top performing varieties, as well as screening up to 44 new varieties for the first time. The trial was sown on 29 March, in Newark, Nottinghamshire.

Using fully replicated plots, the trial will evaluate variety emergence through plastic, and at harvest, measure the DM yield. It will also examine the suitability of different varieties for higher value uses such as grain maize and crimping.

Richard Camplin, Limagrain UK’s technical trials manager explained: “ Sowing maize under plastic offers the advantage of an earlier harvest, around a month, as well as generating the potential for extra yield. The data obtained from the trial will allow us to make recommendations for drilling different varieties under plastic – both those already in the marketplace, and new genetic material from our LG breeding programme.”

April 2012

Over 40 farmers flocked to a recent briefing hosted by Dalmark Grain, near Grantham, to hear how a better understanding of managing markets, varieties and agronomy and a close attention to costs could influence profits this season.Opening the session, Ruth Stanley, Agronomy Manager from BASF, underlined the benefits of a well-planned and robust fungicide programme, “one that allows for some measure of flexibility as the season progresses.”“Using the new BASF SDHI, Adexar, it is possible to match the dose to the risk and maintain the highest levels of protectant and curative disease control, as a result of the fungicide’s unique movement characteristics within the plant.”Available in 10l Ecopack containers for ease of use and rinsing, Miss Stanley reminded growers to make buying decisions early so that all requirements would be met for this launch season.When choosing a milling wheat variety the most critical characteristic is to choose a variety that is consistent in its milling and baking performance, was the advice of Lee Robinson from plant breeders Limagrain. “Consistency of quality will ensure good markets and better premiums, and thereby reduce risk.  Look carefully at a varieties performance over a number of years, as this will show how it responds across a range of conditions. For example considering Group 1’s, if you look back at the data from 2009 -2011 it is possible to see that Crusoe has a more consistent yield of 98-100 over Gallant which fluctuates from 93 to 97.”The messages on managing costs from Joe Scarratt of Andersons, were hard hitting as he challenged farmers to run their farms with a well-planned strategy, focussed on reducing risk and cost. “Looking ahead this season, costs need to be as tightly managed as possible as forward wheat prices only offer a small profit before subsidy receipts. Overheads are critical areas to address, however, don’t forget that yield remains king as costs of production on a per tonne basis are heavily determined by yield.”If you can see profit now then take it, and avoid panic trading! advised Dalmark’s, Charlotte Richmond. She added that the current volatility that we are seeing in markets is here to stay adding that “with so many external influencing factors where the markets will end up is difficult to answer. ““It’s all about managing risk, knowing your costs such as storage and understanding the marketing options available from futures based contracts to fixed premium based contracts, options and buybacks.”

There are not many crops capable of producing a gross margin comparable with a second crop of winter wheat from just 12mm of rain and one fungicide.With a high population of resistant black-grass Malcolm Hobson of Fen Farm, Moorhouses, Lincolnshire needed a spring cropping option with good cultural weed control options while also providing a good entry for winter wheat. While some would prefer spring oilseed rape Mr Hobson feels he already has enough of the winter variant in the rotation while a high burden of pollen beetle and pigeons cause enough damage without being given the opportunity to do more. He started growing linseed as a means of improving the performance of his winter wheat, but found it to be more than just a complimentary crop. â€œThe early summer drought of 2011 presented many challenges for growers in the eastern counties, but while it invariably impacted the performance of most crops, our crop of Aries performed in line with expectations yielding 72tonnes from 22.2ha (55acres).“The crop received just half an inch of rain after drilling, a single fungicide during the spring and a desiccant.  To yield 3.23t/ha (1.3t/ac) from this is, I think, a commendable performance,” said Mr Hobson.Linseed fits his system well and he appreciated the beneficial effects it has on the heavy Lincolnshire soil.  â€œWe’ve found it to be a good all-round fit and a more reliable alternative to spring OSR, but you do need to be properly prepared at harvest.”Sharp knives on the header are a must as is the right conditions. “You need a good, dry day with low humidity otherwise it’s a non-starter,” he says.Andrew Wallis of Boston Seeds reports positive market conditions for linseed across Europe which is helping to sustain interest in the crop. â€œGrowers like it for its low input needs and the opportunity to control problem weeds, but strong market demand means it competes well in economic terms too.“Prices are a little lower than last year, but there is solid European demand due to the issues caused two years ago when crop imported from Canada was found to be contaminated with a GM material.  Crushers have been forced to source their needs locally for fear of further contamination,” says Mr Wallis.“The continuing dry weather coupled with the ability to delay drilling without a yield penalty is likely to sustain interest in the crop this year,” he adds.

If you are thinking about reseeding some of your grass fields this year then make a note in your diary against 1st May. This is because there is a technical event being held at the NIAB-TAG Trial site in Tadcaster in North Yorkshire on that day and the programme that has been lined up is designed to enable you to get your new ley off to the best possible start.

Technical speakers will be on hand to offer advice on all aspects of reseeding – from selecting the best and most economical cultivation and seeding methods to variety choice and how to introduce clover.

Visitors are invited to arrive at the site at any time between 10am and 12 noon and will be able to join one of the tours that have been organised. There will be plenty of opportunity for discussion and you will be able to pick up a copy of the new Recommended Grass and Clover Lists. The event and parking are both free!

We will have a presence in the Trade Stand Area so if you do attend it will be an excellent opportunity to collect copies of our various technical leaflets relating to grass and clover mixtures,

If you would like more information on this event then please e-mail us. If you cannot make this particular date, but you do plan to undertake some reseeding, then we can send you an information pack which contains a selection of very helpful technical catalogues and leaflets on the subject.

April 2012

If lack of water becomes a serious threat on your livestock farm then you will be very pleased if you have a field or two of Drought Buster – a new mixture which has just been launched by Limagrain UK.

This new mixture has been especially designed to withstand the effects of hot, dry weather which can quickly pose a serious threat to grass production. The mixture contains purpose-bred forage tall fescues, Matrix Enhanced® Ryegrass, tetraploid ryegrass and Ensign Plus white clover. The seed (which is packed in 25kg bags) is also treated with Headstart and Integral which helps to promote rapid establishment. Limagrain's Ian Misselbrook takes up the story.

“Tall fescues and Matrix Enhanced Ryegrass recover rapidly in drought conditions and are used effectively on the continent. Drought Buster includes Herbie perennial ryegrass, which is used widely in Spain because of its tolerance to heat and drought, and the deep rooting tetraploid ryegrasses also have a key role to play.”

Mr Misselbrook adds that the inclusion of Ensign Plus white clover blend will help to fill any mid-summer grazing gaps when ryegrasses are less productive.

“We are already experiencing drought conditions in certain parts of the UK but fortunately Drought Buster has been developed to help livestock farmers to weather the consequences of any prolonged water shortages.”

 April 2012

Limagrain UK has published an updated brochure which covers the comprehensive range of wildflower mixtures that are available for use in landscape and environmental schemes, golf courses and general amenity areas.

These mixtures contain 80% grass and 20% native British produced wild flowers and will provide a natural habitat for many insects and wildlife. The mixtures – there are eight in total – have been formulated to meet the challenges of specific growing environments such as clay soils or shaded areas.

There is also another interesting mixture included in the brochure – the very colourful Cornfield Annuals 100% wildflower mixture. This very popular introduction was developed to re-create the traditional show of wild flowers that used to thrive in cereal fields prior to the advent of modern farming practices.  

Guidelines for successful establishment and management of all the mixtures are also provided in the brochure.

For a copy of the new 2012 wildflower mixtures brochure either telephone Limagrain UK on 01472 371471 or e-mail using the info@limagrain.co.uk address. Alternatively, the brochure can be viewed on-line by visiting www.limagrain.co.uk/amenity where a copy of the publication can also be saved on your computer for future use.

April 2012

Seed breeder Limagrain has an ongoing trials programme to evaluate the performance of different varieties of maize when grown under plastic. In the 2013 trial, all Limagrain varieties emerged successfully though the plastic cover and went on to produce mature plants. Of particular note was the performance of varieties: Ambition, Asgaard, Beethoven and LG30.211.

Limagrain has been conducting maize under plastic for the past four years. Last year’s trial of 44 varieties was sown near Newark in Lincolnshire on 22 April, and harvested on 16 September.

The highest yielding variety in the trial was LG30.211 which delivered 18.8t/ha of DM, and had reached 29% DM at harvest.  Limagrain’s Tim Richmond explains: “Although not on the NIAB list, LG30.211 is the best-selling variety in Holland and its high digestibility makes it very popular with Dutch farmers.”

The earliest maturing variety was Ambition, which had a DM content of 35% at harvest and yielded 17.7t/ha. Ambition yielded 0.1t/ha more than late maturing old favourite Justina and 1.1t/ha more than Benicia, another late maturing variety from the Continent.

Mr Richmond adds: “Ambition was the biggest selling variety in the UK last year and these trial results serve to show how robust it is – it consistently performs well both when sown in the open and under plastic. Award, another Limagrain variety, has also continued to be reliable, acting as the control variety in both the UK and Irish trials.”

The best compromise between earliness and DM yield was provided by Beethoven and Asgaard (a new variety due to be NIAB-Listed in 2015). They were both harvested at a DM content of 31%, with Asgaard yielding 18.4t/ha DM, and Beethoven, 18t/ha.

For more information on recommended varieties for growing under plastic, farmers and contractors can visit www.limagrain.co.uk and download the new Variety Selection Guide which includes data on all the varieties on the 2014 NIAB List. The Guide also includes information and variety recommendations for grain maize and AD plants.

It certainly makes interesting reading because the crux of the story revolves around the benefits of sowing a new variety of maize – Atrium. Evidently, the selection of a maize variety which has been bred with a high cell wall digestibility can results in a crop with a higher energy content – and this, in turn, can lead to the production of more milk from the same clamp space.

The startling news is that the extra 0.18 MJ/kg DM of metabolisable energy associated with Atrium can generate an additional £2,700 worth of milk on a 100 cow dairy herd.

The background to this story is that good cell wall digestibility is one of the selection criteria in the LG breeding programme. Over the past few years a new breeding line has been discovered in which varieties exhibit this trait – in addition to high DM yields. Atrium benefits from this important breakthrough and the variety makes its debut on the 2011 NIAB List as a maturity class 6 for growing on favourable sites.

With all eyes focussed on the value and importance of home grown feed no dairy farmers can afford to overlook the benefits linked to optimum variety selection.

If you have not seen a copy of this particular issue then e-mail us (info@limagrain.co.uk) and we will arrange to send you a copy of the full story.