New spring oat variety attracts miller for 2023
© Cope Seeds A major miller has given the new oat variety Merlin the thumbs up, providing growers with two potential spring options in the coming year.
Brin Hughes, agronomy manager at Bedfordshire-based Richardson Milling, the second-biggest oat miller in Europe, was encouraged by trial results from the variety, which has performed well in the field.
“We’re pleased with Merlin’s performance in trials this year, and it seems that Isabel and Merlin are front runners in terms of spring varieties.
“If more Merlin is grown and it meets specification, we are more than happy to take it in the mill,” added Mr Hughes.
Early drilling
Trials in Suffolk, Hampshire and Kent revealed the earlier Merlin is drilled, the better the resulting yield and bushel weight.
When drilled in February and early March, the yield figures started at 6t/ha in Suffolk, 8t/ha in Hampshire, and 9t/ha on the fertile Kent site. Specific weights reached more than 50kg/hl for each trial, and screenings were about 3%. It also offered consistently good standing power.
Winter stalwart Mascani has been the millers’ favourite variety for many years, and the challenge has been to find spring varieties that offer benefits to both growers and millers.
One key advantage for Merlin is that it can be grown throughout the UK, even the wetter areas, due to its early ripening.
The variety produces high yields and good-quality oats when grown either conventionally or organically. It has the lowest screening losses of any spring oat variety and good disease resistance, including an 8 for mildew.
See also: British quinoa growers wanted as crop demand rises
Farmer viewpoint
Stirling-based mixed farmer Ronald Dick has grown Merlin for the past two years for seed and says it performs well in the field, with his highest yield more than 7.5t/ha.
“It’s early to ripen, clean, it has good straw strength and has a very good quality. I’ve got nothing bad to say about it,” he said.
Agronomist viewpoint
Skye Van Heyzen, product manager at agronomy group Agrii, is backing the variety as it consistently looks great in the field and performs as well as other market-leaders.
“What sets it apart is its early ripening and ability to still produce good yields and specification, which make it suitable for many regions in the UK.
“Farmers are looking for a variety that is consistent in the field – they want an oat they can easily manage, and this is where Merlin excels,” said Mr Van Heyzen.
Staying sharp shouldn't be a chore
