Wheat That Works

Today we’re joined by Agrii’s Technical Manager, John Miles, David Schafer, Wheat Breeder at RAGT, and Hugh Harley, BIPO representative.

As farmers and agronomists weigh up wheat variety choices for the season ahead, we’ll explore Hexton - a new wheat variety - its potential fit for your farm, and how an existing seed royalty scheme could benefit your business. 

What Makes Hexton a Standout Variety for UK Farmers?

John Miles explains that Hexton ticks both common and niche boxes for growers. It performs exceptionally well in the North, distills well, and stands up to disease. Its appeal lies in its general high performance and its suitability for more specific regional needs, including early drilling and good standing ability.

How Was Hexton Developed and What Are Its Key Traits?

David Schafer, the breeder behind Hexton, highlights its long development timeline—nearly ten years from the first cross in 2016. Hexton shows strong resistance to yellow rust and Septoria, includes orange wheat blossom midge resistance, and fits key UK markets like distilling and soft wheat export.

Where Does Hexton Fit Best in Your Rotation?

Hexton excels as a second wheat and performs consistently across regions. John notes it has high yield potential (111 in the North) and exceptional grain quality. It's particularly suited for early drilling, the West and South for exports, and the Midlands and East for soft wheat systems.

How Has Agrii Tested Hexton?

Agrii trialled Hexton in 2023 under disease pressure across the UK. Trials included high-pressure Septoria environments and comparison plots using moderate input strategies, allowing Agrii to evaluate the variety's robustness and yield potential under real-world conditions.

What Is the Role of the Beepo Royalty Scheme in Supporting Innovation?

Hugh Harley explains that BIPO ensures fair royalty collection from both certified and farm-saved seed. This enables breeders like David to reinvest in UK-specific varieties. Hexton is among the first conventional wheats to be introduced through this streamlined RAC system, which simplifies paperwork and guarantees lifetime farm access with a one-time sign-up.

Is the RAC System Easy to Use?

Yes. According to Hugh, it now takes just minutes to register your RAC number, which remains valid indefinitely. This reduces admin burdens for farmers while maintaining support for innovation through fair royalty distribution.

Why Should Growers Care About Supporting Breeding Programs?

Breeders must plan for challenges that may arise a decade from now. David emphasises the need to hold genetic diversity and be prepared for future disease and climate changes. Supporting UK breeding ensures localised, adaptive varieties remain available.

Is Hexton a Good Second Wheat Option?

Absolutely. John confirms Hexton outperforms many varieties in second wheat scenarios, with a notable yield uplift. Its strong tillering habit and resilient genetics make it a practical and profitable second wheat choice.

What Can Growers Do to Maximise Variety and Royalty Benefits?

• Visit trial sites this summer to evaluate Hexton performance first-hand.
• Register for a RAC number via the BIPO website to streamline seed usage.
• Choose Hexton for diverse benefits -high yield, disease resistance, and rotational flexibility.
  
  
  

Final Thoughts from the Experts

John Miles encourages growers to seriously consider Hexton this autumn. David and Hugh reiterate the long-term value in supporting UK breeding through simple, equitable systems like RAC.

The Agrii 2025 Autumn Yearbook is available now. Visit yearbook.agrii.co.uk