Don’t hold back on spring cropping variety choices

RGT Planet.

Take prompt action to secure your choice of spring seeds and avoid potential disappointment, says David Bouch, Hutchinsons seeds manager.

With a spring market starting to develop, the time has come to make key decisions on both varieties and seed rates. Some varieties are likely to be in tight supply due to poor yields and loss of quality in the course of the season, as harvest dragged on in parts of the country, he says.

David Bouch.

“We have also seen certain areas struggle to get anticipated winter crops in the ground. This was especially challenging in the North West and South West regions, so spring usage will increase in 2018.”

 Spring Barley

Spring Barley is the key choice for managing black grass and we have seen a steady rise in seed rates from the high 300’s to 500+ seeds/m² and beyond where circumstances are most difficult.

“There will be strong call for RGT Planet, which produces high yields coupled with a useful end market demand. Laureate will increase its market share, as it now has full Institute of Brewing & Distilling (IBD) approval and has yields capable of matching the market leader RGT Planet.”

“Propino continues to be popular and demand for KWS Irina and Concerto continues where they have proven successful to date.”

Spring Wheat

In the Spring Wheat sector, Mulika will remain the market leader. However, with the milling premiums being challenged and for ease of storage, the new varieties KWS Cochise and KWS Chilham will attract attention, albeit supplies are tight. The more familiar group 4 varieties KWS Kilburn and KWS Alderon will also continue to find support, says David.

Spring Pulses

Spring Pulses and in particular beans will be in tight supply with poor yields at harvest and some seed crops having been lost.

“There are now more choices with the old timer Fuego finding competition from Fanfare, Lynx and Vertigo. There will also be some interest in LG Cartouche which was new to the list for this year.”

“Pea varieties remain reasonably consistent, with the odd exceptions where we find new varieties such as Karpate (a white pea) which is now the highest yielding variety available.  Bluetooth is a new variety in the popular large blue sector where the tried and trusted Daytona, Crackerjack, Campus and Prophet remain popular.”

The key to this coming year will undoubtedly be securing the variety of choice, as certain options could disappear quite quickly. So, if you know your end market or have a preferred variety, then the best advice should be to order early to avoid any disappointment in the spring, he says.