Wide array of new winter wheats, but which one?  A bumper selection of new winter wheat varieties is on offer to the region’s arable farmers this year, with a newly recommended variety in each of the four main NABIM categories. But growers are warned to place their autumn seed orders as soon as possible as many of the more popular varieties are likely to sell out quickly.

With so many different winter wheat varieties to choose from, selecting the right one can be a mind-boggling decision. But top Shropshire seedsman, Richard Torr of Wynnstay Arable believes that he has the perfect variety for everyone. “We have got 20 different wheat varieties this year, representing everything that growers across the West will be considering for sowing later this year,” Mr Torr explains.

“At the time of year when arable farmers are starting to think about what to put back into the ground, it is essential that they know which varieties are best suited to their specific farming requirements. But with so many varieties to choose from, it is difficult to know where to start.”

An open day at Wynnstay’s cropping trial site near Much Wenlock in June was attended by more than 150 arable farmers from across the western region and the Border Counties. “We had a record turnout at this year’s event,” Mr Torr states. “That shows there is a real desire amongst farmers to learn more about the varieties on offer. Days like this are designed to take some of the guesswork out of which variety to use.”

Mr Torr comments that, “It rarely happens that we have a new name in each of the four NABIM categories but they all have a place with the region’s farmers.

“Gallant has been one of the most interesting surprises of the year since it was upgraded from a Group 2 to a Group 1 variety,” explains Mr Torr, who describes the variety as being similar to current favourite Solstice, but with an extra 5% yield potential.

There is a big demand from flour millers for this variety with buy-back contracts also available. “Gallant has performed consistently well in three years of milling and baking tests leading to its Group 1 status. But there is limited seed availability as the announcement about it being a Group 1 came in mid-November last year,” Mr Torr advises. “Growers looking for a top quality wheat with a yield to beat several popular feed varieties should therefore place their orders as soon as possible as this variety won’t be available much longer.”

In Group 2 Mr Torr recommends the top yielding variety, Panorama. “Panorama offers all the advantages of a very stiff straw as well as an ability to provide exceptional yields. That makes it well worth a look for farmers who may have had problems with Einstein lodging. It is also very clean and is a useful replacement for farmers currently growing Einstein as it offers an additional 3% yield output.”

Moving down the list, Mr Torr recommends Scout as the ideal biscuit making wheat. “Scout is a promising variety that is capable of achieving a biscuit-making premium. It has the best all round disease resistance available and suits early sowing.” Mr Torr warns that this variety is also close to being sold out due to its popularity in the Eastern Counties where it is grown for export.

Finally, Mr Torr recommends Grafton as the ideal variety for farmers who also grow oilseed rape. “With so many rape growers across the region looking for a variety that can be sown early and maximise their yield of feed wheat, there’s nothing better than Grafton,” he states.

“It is the variety that is most suited to early drilling and can be sown as early as the beginning of September. It is also early to mature and can be harvested a few days before other feed wheats, giving farmers an extra few days to create a seedbed for oilseed rape establishment. Those few days can be invaluable in helping to spread heavy harvest workloads. And with the stiffest straw characteristics that we have ever seen, it is set to become one of the region’s most popular varieties.”

But Mr Torr closes with a final warning that Grafton is also likely to sell out quickly. “Following the difficulties experienced last autumn and the prospect of an early harvest, the temptation to sow early will be stronger than ever. The improved agronomics of Grafton puts it in high demand. With so many varieties to choose from, it is an exciting time for arable farmers, but selecting the right one could be pivotal to the margins from next year’s arable harvest.”

Richard Torr’s top four new winter wheat recommendations:

To find out more about these or any other winter wheat varieties, farmers can contact Richard Torr on 01939 210777.

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