3 reasons farmers are switching back to Group 3 wheat (and making more money)

UK wheat markets are changing — and Group 3 biscuit wheats are back on the radar for growers looking to boost margins, secure premiums, and keep their marketing flexible.

Here’s why more farmers are rethinking their wheat strategy this season:

1. More profit per acre – proven premiums and secure domestic demand

With secure end uses, better agronomics, and the yield to match — Group 3s are now a strategic way to make your wheat work harder for your bottom line.

In the past, Group 3s made up a third of the UK wheat market for a good reason. Feed, biscuit milling, export, and distilling all offered strong market outlets.

Now, with modern genetics, that premium potential is back on the table.

Modern varieties like Bamford deliver Group 4-level feed yields but also meet the spec for biscuit milling, export, distilling, and feed — so you have multiple routes to sell and less risk at harvest.

2. Group 4 feed level yields, zero compromise

Farmers left Group 3s years ago because they couldn’t compete with Group 4s for yield. That’s changed. (See the AHDB Recommended List for winter wheat 2025/26 PDF).

Bamford and other strong Group 3s are now matching feed wheats for output — while opening doors to extra value.

Kurtis Scrboro © Elsoms Seeds

3. A clear market shift

Back in 2004, varieties like Robigus, Claire, and Consort helped Group 3 wheats hold nearly 40% of the UK wheat market — a level that’s now within reach again.

With Bamford’s proven genetics delivering reliable yields, strong disease resistance, and valuable end-market premiums, growers are seeing that same opportunity re-emerge.

In fact, Group 3s have jumped from just 3% to 11% of the UK wheat area in a single year since Bamford’s introduction — and that upward trend is gaining real momentum.

As more growers switch to capture extra income from biscuit markets, those who stay with feed varieties risk missing out. For many, simply seeing that shift is reason enough to get on board before they’re left behind.

Ready to give group 3’s a go?

Download the Bamford Performance Guide (PDF) for the data and field performance you need to grow with confidence.

© Elsoms Seeds