Autumn cereal Options – Farmart

Following on from the new genetics for BYDV tolerant hybrid barley launched in autumn of 2023, this season for the first time, we will see BYDV resistant barley in the form of SY Kestrel. However, availability will be extremely limited, with only a few hundred packs available.

The Hyvido share of the feed barley market is likely to remain at similar levels this autumn at circa 27%, although there will be greater growth from 2-row barleys in the shape of both LG Caravelle and the newly recommended LG Capitol.

KWS Tardis will undoubtedly remain a popular choice, having taken the market by storm in autumn 2022 and following up with increased market share in autumn 2023. KWS have their first hybrid barley in the guise of KWS Inys offering very high yields, stiff straw and very low brackling. Early maturity (-1) coupled with good untreated yield provides a different route to market for hybrid barley.

Crusoe and RGT Illustrious will be the millers’ preferred quality options, as they were last year.

Skyfall and Zyatt still hold a significant presence within the sector despite needing greater management particularly for yellow rust. Skyfall offers the greatest drilling window whilst still being the only variety in group 1 and 2 to offer Orange Wheat Blossom Midge resistance. (OWBM)

KWS Extase will remain the market leader in the group 2 sector whilst KWS Ultimatum offers potential for the North.

LG Beowulf has joined Champion at the top of the RL, providing excellent yield in the north and stiff straw offering 8’s for both treated and untreated resistance to lodging, excellent grain quality, very good yellow rust resistance and decent for septoria as well. It also offers OWBM resistance.

Blackstone is the new soft group 4 from Elsoms to challenge LG Redwald with excellent yellow rust resistance and superior standing ability and bushel weight.

Gleam still appears to have remarkable consistency and Graham remains a very popular choice in the west. It of course is also suitable for early drilling which we are likely to see more of this autumn.