As you plan your winter wheat varieties for autumn sowing, there's no shortage of options. However, before making your final decision, it’s important to consider your intended market, rotational position, and any disease pressures your crops may face. 

Here’s what you need to keep in mind as you select the best variety for your farm.

The ‘Three New Bs’: Bamford, Blackstone, and LG Beowulf

When it comes to winter wheat, Jim Carswell, Agrii’s R&D Manager for the north, highlights three standout varieties that should be on your radar this year: Bamford, Blackstone, and LG Beowulf.

“These three varieties are particularly well-suited to Scottish conditions and have shown they can deliver for growers both north and south of the River Forth,” explains Jim.

Bamford: The High-Yielding Soft Group 3 Variety

If you’re looking for the highest-yielding soft wheat in the north, Bamford is the variety for you. It’s a new Group 3 wheat that’s gaining attention for its disease resistance and strong all-around performance. Bamford has the potential to replace LG Skyscraper and Swallow for those looking for better yields and sturdier straw.

“Bamford has all-round appeal. It has stiffer straw than Skyscraper, significantly better resistance to Septoria tritici, which is ideal for those wanting to drill from mid-September, and it’s got a high bushel weight of 78.5 kg/hl. Plus, it produces good spirit yields,” says Jim.

If you’re growing a second wheat crop, Bamford performs well in this position too, making it a flexible choice for many growers.

Blackstone: An Alternative for the East Coast

For growers along the east coast, Bamford’s lack of resistance to orange wheat blossom midge (OWBM) might make it less appealing. If that’s the case, you should consider Blackstone, a new soft Group 4 variety.

“Blackstone offers higher yields than Skyscraper and has stiffer straw with better disease resistance overall. However, it is a later-maturing variety, so you’ll need to factor that into your planning,” Jim advises.

LG Beowulf: The New Hard Group 4 Variety

For those farming south of the Forth, where hard feed varieties are more popular, LG Beowulf is one to watch. It’s a new hard Group 4 variety that offers many of the same benefits as Bamford but with a hard endosperm.

While seed availability is limited for autumn 2024, it’s definitely a variety to keep in mind for 2025.

Other Varieties to Consider

For growers looking for tried-and-tested hard feed varieties, SY Insitor has been a consistent performer. It’s known for strong yellow rust resistance, although Jim recommends keeping a close eye on it to ensure you manage any potential issues.

Other popular varieties such as KWS Dawsum, Typhoon, and Champion will likely remain in demand, particularly among growers who know how to handle their specific requirements.

“They all have their merits and, if you know how to manage them, will continue to deliver for you,” says Jim.

Don’t Overlook Seed Treatments

One area that can often be overlooked is the use of nutritional or bio-stimulant seed treatments. According to Jim, these treatments are relatively inexpensive but can offer excellent returns on investment.

“Seed treatments are a valuable tool, especially when decisions are based on a comprehensive soil analysis. Nutritional seed treatments can help address specific deficiencies, while bio-stimulants can give your crops a much-needed boost in early establishment,” he explains.

If you’ve had issues with deficiencies in the past or if you’re working with high phosphate levels that interfere with nutrient availability, consider using nutrient coatings like

• i-Man (manganese),
• Zax (zinc), or 
• Fielder Copper (copper). 
• For faster emergence and better establishment, bio-stimulants like Take Off ST or Vibrance Duo (fludioxonil + sedaxane) can make a difference.

Plan Ahead for a Successful 2024

Selecting the right wheat variety for your farm is a key decision, and taking the time to weigh up the options will pay dividends in the long run.

Whether you’re focused on disease resistance, yield potential, or simply choosing the right variety for your region, Agrii is here to help you make the best choice for a successful harvest in 2024 and beyond.