Understanding the New Recommended List: Insights from Agrii's Experts

The team discuss Agrii R&D and the work we do to create the Agrii Advisory List. This information not only works in conjunction with the RL but plugs some very important gaps for growers looking for the optimal agronomic package beyond simply yield performance. 

They share insights on what’s new, seed availability, and how farmers can use the list to support crop management through the season.

This podcast also qualifies for BASIS and NRoSO CPD points.

What is the value of the Recommended List?

Roger Sherriff: The recommended list (RL) is valuable for understanding a crop’s gross output potential against the risks associated with growing it. The list gives a broad national view of varieties’ performance potential. Agrii supplements the RL with our own trials, so we have independent results to provide additional guidance to farmers.

John Miles: We run on-farm variety trials with different inputs, so they can show regional effects and disease pressures that reflect real-world conditions. Our trials set a high bar to identify top-performing varieties, as we want only the best options for farmers.

David Leaper: For oilseed rape, the RL provides good benchmarking, but there are gaps, especially around growth habit and response to pest pressures like flea beetle. We look closely at these characteristics, and factors like late-season stem health, which can impact pod fill. We complement the RL by investigating these areas in our research.

Which winter wheat varieties stood out last year?

Roger Sherriff: Dawson was a star performer, although seed availability limited its uptake. It delivered well at harvest. Champion also showed strong yield potential, though its standing ability came with some concerns. John can add more on that.

John Miles: Champion offers very high yields and strong Septoria resistance. However, it has a higher lodging risk, so farmers need to manage it carefully. For this year, varieties like Dawson and Oxford (Champion’s sister variety) have proven solid, with Oxford showing better standing and grain quality.

What are the most promising winter wheat varieties for the coming season?

Roger Sherriff: We have new entries in Group 1 (Saki Chia), Group 3 (Bamford), Group 4 soft (Black Stone), and Group 4 hard (Beowulf). For example, Saki Chia brings higher quality and better yellow rust resistance to Group 1 wheat, making it a good alternative to Skyfall.

John Miles: Beowulf, Black Stone, and Bamford are new, high-yielding options with solid agronomic packages. Each one suits different regional disease pressures, offering growers more flexibility in variety selection.

What is Agrii’s approach to choosing winter wheat varieties?

David Leaper: We look closely at the treated and untreated yields to assess resilience to diseases. This year, yellow rust was prominent, but other diseases like brown rust also affect performance. It’s crucial to choose varieties that are robust and can benefit from a balanced fungicide programme.

Which winter barley varieties are worth watching?

John Miles: Cambridge Tardis remains a leader, with LG Caravel as a high-yielding newcomer. LG Caravel has excellent disease resistance and strong grain quality. Another new recommendation is LG Capital, a sister line to Caravel with similar characteristics but slightly less robust performance in Agrii’s trials.

Is there a recommended winter barley variety for tackling BYDV?

John Miles: Buzzard is a recommended variety with BYDV tolerance. LG Capital is also new to the list, but we still see Caravel as the best choice for high yield and reliability in winter barley.

Which oilseed rape varieties performed well last season?

David Leaper: Lima Grain has led the way in oilseed rape breeding, particularly with traits like turnip yellows virus (TuYV) resistance, pod shatter resistance, and disease resistance. Their varieties Ambassador and Auckland have been consistent performers. New varieties like Amada, Academica, and Adeline are advancing these traits for better late-season health and yield resilience.

What are Agrii’s top winter wheat and winter barley seed stocks?

Roger Sherriff: We have a significant acreage of Bamford and Champion in winter wheat, along with strong performers like Skyfall and Dawson. We still see demand for long-standing varieties like Graham, particularly for early-drilled wheat, where its characteristics excel.

John Miles: For winter barley, Tardis and Caravel dominate our stocks. Hybrid varieties like Kingsbarns continue to play a role, especially in blackgrass management due to their competition benefits.

What is Agrii’s approach to oilseed rape seed multiplication?

David Leaper: We’re focusing on strong-performing varieties like Ambassador and Auckland, as well as new options like Turing and Kansas, which offer strong disease resistance and robust spring growth. Conventional varieties are less prominent, but options like Aardvark and Amarone are available. Clearfield varieties like Matrix remain popular for specific management needs.

How can growers ensure they get the seed stock they need?

Roger Sherriff: Order early to secure your preferred variety. Prices may fluctuate, but planning ahead is essential to ensure timely delivery.

How can growers use the Recommended List and Agrii’s R&D to nurture their crops?

John Miles: Focus on the most critical characteristics for each field. Each region has unique disease pressures, so a tailored approach is best. Engage with field days and resources to understand new genetics and traits in action.

David Leaper: Don’t simply choose the highest yield on the list. Sometimes, varieties in the middle of the pack offer better disease resilience and more balanced characteristics, which will deliver stronger performance in the long term.

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