Record-breaking spring oat delivers yield of over 11t/ha 

The unprecedented yield, achieved by Happy Days Farming, was attributed to a combination of Merlin’s varietal strengths, optimal nutrition and an unusually wet spring. 

Farm manager Mark Popplewell said: “The yield numbers on the display were so high we initially thought the equipment was faulty. 

“The grain tank was filling much faster than expected, even compared to a strong wheat crop. It quickly became clear that we were looking at something exceptional.” 

Mr Popplewell added that this was the first oat crop grown by Happy Days Farming.  

“We were virgin oat growers this year. We planted 300 hectares on 30 March after a very wet winter in Lincolnshire, with a 135kg/ha drilling rate, following winter wheat in 2023 and before that, oilseed rape in 2022.  

“The Merlin seed was treated with Vibrance Duo, it had two growth regulators, two fungicides and micronutrients applied, and 119.88 Kg/ha of nitrogen plus 39.96 kg/ha at SO3 rate.” 

‘We’re growing more Merlin in 2025’ 

Mr Popplewell, who farms 2,000 hectares of arable land plus some ‘B&B pigs’, all spread over 50 miles, explained that the average yield was 11.5t/ha with the monitor reaching 14t/ha in some places. 

“We’re growing more Merlin in 2025 – the oats fit into the rotation well. We would plant more, but we have wild oats in many fields, so this limits us,” the farm manager added. 

While 2024 has been a record-breaking year for this Lincolnshire oat crop, it has been a year to forget for many others.  

Weather variability has made adaptability essential for success. Merlin spring oat’s performance offers hope and highlights the importance of investing in resilient crop solutions. 

Crucial role of plant breeding 

The high yields of Merlin oats in Lincolnshire underline the importance of advancements in plant breeding.  

It is a milling oat from Cope that is early to harvest, is high-yielding and resilient to varying seasons.  

Cope managing director, Gemma Clarke, said: “Resilient seed varieties are critical as farmers face increasing challenges from climate change and unpredictable weather. 

“If we see advancements in varieties, we take them forward to official trials, and if they perform well, we bring them to market. 

“While the conditions this year were unique, the industry is having to contend with more unpredictable weather and demonstrates the need to continue investment in seed breeding to protect the future of farming. 

Consistent performer across the UK 

Ms Clarke added: “Merlin has seen high yields this year, and we have applied for a YENs (Yield Enhancement Networks) award for this Lincolnshire crop, but it’s also a consistent performer. 

“The combination of an early harvest, making it suitable for all regions of the UK, high disease resistance, and strong yield potential means it’s attractive to farmers nationwide.” 

COPE managing director confirmed that Merlin is accepted by all mills, and it is one of only two spring varieties on spring oat contracts.  

“It’s an early variety (-1), offers a competitive lodging score of 7, and has a high rating of 8 for mildew. It also has low screenings, which is a real bonus to the mills and a good specific weight,” Ms Clarke concluded. 

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