NIABoffers program for OSR and linseed
NIABoffers program for OSR and linseed
A COMPUTER program to help oilseed rape and linseed growers choose between varieties and decide what they can afford to pay for seed has been launched by NIAB.
"It effectively replaces the back-of-an-envelope calculations many growers try to do when comparing varieties," says developer Simon Kightley.
Potential yield is clearly not the sole factor influencing choice. Quality premiums and seed costs must also be considered, he says.
Comparing varieties, like conventional Apex and potentially higher-yielding hybrid Pronto, is easy using the interactive spreadsheet, he maintains. All users have to do is insert the varieties new economic performance ratings and respective seed costs.
The program then shows how margins vary according to expected yield and price, allowing growers to see whether the extra cost of seed is covered.
"If the result is negative the increased yield wont off-set the higher seed cost and you must look for other characteristics to justify choosing the higher yielder," says Mr Kightley.
The current programme ignores differences in variable input needs, he acknowledges. "And, of course, agronomic characters may have an over-riding influence in some situations. But as an exercise in deciding whether to drop one variety for another it should prove useful. People tend to do this sort of thing on the back of a fag packet and dont always get it right!"
Steve Cook, of Hampshire Arable Systems, is one of the first to assess the value of the new programme. "I can see it being very useful. We can insert regional economic performance figures if we wish, and it seems a very sensible idea. It clearly doesnt cover things like establishment and weed control. But you can even put in a farm-saved seed price if you want to. Its very flexible."
OSR evaluator
• Interactive software.
• Spreadsheet format.
• Economic basis.
• Compares options.
• Free to NIAB Association members soon.
OSREVALUATOR
• Interactive software.
• Economic basis.
• Compares options.
• Free to NIAB Association members soon.
Steve Cook, of Hampshire Arable Systems, is one of the first to assess the value of the new programme. "I can see it being very useful. We can insert regional economic performance figures if we wish, and it seems a very sensible idea. It clearly doesnt cover things like establishment and weed control. But you can even put in a farm-saved seed price if you want to. Its very flexible."