Oats market dominated by two varieties

19 August 1997

Oats market dominated by two varieties

LOW specific weights and poor samples have beset this years oat crop, which continues to be dominated by Gerald and Image with nearly three-quarters of the market between them.

End markets must be considered when deciding whether to grow oats, be they conventional or naked types, says Dalgetys David Neale. "A demand for 60,000t of naked oats is a clear demonstration of a growing market and one that offers premiums to support the lower yield of the crop."

Among conventional winter types Emperor is promising but needs time to become established, he says. Lexicon is expected to lead the naked oat sector for the next two years.