Variable rate drilling and nutrition are helping Matt Fry of WG Fry & Son improve wheat yields, target inputs more precisely and build more consistent crop performance across 14 farm units in Wiltshire.

Key farm facts

• 14 farm units under rental and contract farming agreements
• Focus on winter wheat, including Group 1 and 2 milling varieties
• Uses RHIZA soil sampling and Contour for variable rate planning
• Works with Agrii agronomist Roy Willis

Turning weaker areas into opportunity

What if the least productive parts of a field could become its biggest opportunity?

Matt Fry of WG Fry & Son in Wiltshire is using variable rate drilling and fertiliser to move away from one-size-fits-all applications. By using data-led decisions to target seed and nutrition more accurately, the farm has improved average wheat yields by 1t/ha.

With 14 farm units under rental and contract farming agreements, pushing yields as far as economically feasible is central to the business. Working with Agrii agronomist Roy Willis, the focus is on understanding where extra yield can be gained, what it will cost and how inputs can be targeted more effectively.

Challenge fields driving progress

Each year, Matt and Roy select a “challenge field” to push boundaries, test new ideas and see how far yield can be taken.

One of the biggest learnings has been the value of improving the weakest parts of the field, rather than relying on the strongest areas to carry overall performance.

Data-led decisions across the farm

RHIZA soil sampling feeds into the Contour platform, where variable rate seed and nutrient plans are created and sent directly to the tractor.

“To do this properly, we all have to be singing from the same hymn sheet. If one part of that chain doesn’t play its part, then it all falls down.”

Matt Fry, WG Fry & Son

Fine-tuning seed rates

Historical yield maps, soil conductivity and nutrient analysis are used to guide variable rate seed plans. Seed rates typically vary by around 12% across a field.

More fertile areas receive lower seed rates, while exposed or more challenging soils are drilled at higher rates. Plans are then adjusted in real time depending on field conditions.

“The really important thing is to validate what the technology is telling us in the field.”

Roy Willis, Agrii agronomist

Smarter nutrition through the season

Alongside variable rate P and K, and trials with Calcipril to address soil nutrition issues, the farm also uses nitrogen across Group 1 and 2 wheats to manage in-season crop variation.

Applications are split, starting with 70kgN/ha of protected urea, followed by little-and-often dressings through the season.

Using NDVI satellite imagery in Contour, crop performance is tracked and decisions are refined as the season develops.

“As we get to later applications, we can better judge whether we are feeding for a 10t/ha or 13t/ha crop.”

Roy Willis, Agrii agronomist

Technology that works on farm

Ease of use is critical. For Matt, the value of the technology depends on whether it can support practical decisions in the field.

“The technology has to work and be quick and easy to use. If we can’t get information to the team in the field, all our efforts have been wasted.”

Matt Fry, WG Fry & Son

Results at a glance

• Average yields increased from 10t/ha to 11t/ha
• Challenge fields expected to exceed 13t/ha
• More consistent crop performance across fields
• Improved targeting of seed and fertiliser inputs

To find out how Contour can support variable rate planning on your farm, speak to your local Agrii team.