A crop of Crusoe from New Barn Farm in Funtingdon, Chichester may be a new British milling wheat record, yielding 14.3t/ha

Nick Baird harvested 14.13t/ha from a 36.6ha field and 14.08t/ha from a second 24.2ha field, with protein levels at 13.5% and 13.75% respectively.

Although there is no official yield record for milling wheats in the UK, the last highest recorded  yield was in 2013 set by Mark Means with his crop of Cordiale averaging 13.41t/ha.

Harvested on 3^rd August, Mr Bairds yields have subsequently been verified over a weighbridge by the local co-operative grain store Chichester Grain, once the moisture was corrected to 15% moisture.

“This is the first year that we have grown Crusoe and as you can imagine we are delighted with the results, we shall certainly be growing it again. At a time when prices are low, it is reassuring to know that we can grow a wheat that not only yields but delivers the quality premium that makes the difference to the bottom line,” he says.

Independent consultant Peter Cowlrick of CCC Ltd and AICC member, who walks the crops on New Barn Farm believes that that the farms overall 111ha of  Crusoe, drilled on 24 September into chalk, loamy soils has done so well due to very good establishment last autumn and a good growing season, coupled with the sound varietal and agronomic characteristics of Crusoe, particularly for Septoria.

“There is a large scale pig unit at New Barn Farm, and manure from this is applied according to regulations, across the rotation.  We tested the soils in February, and found deep nitrogen levels to be around 50kg and 100kg in the top metre or so of the soil.”

“We used a variable rate approach for fertilizer, using N-Sense canopy imaging ensuring optimal use efficiency. Based on this, a four split N programme of a total of 250kg N was used on the Crusoe, with the first application as a flat rate liquid N+S, followed by two variable liquid applications and finally a solid application of 40kg of N at the flag leaf stage. This was followed up by a foliar urea application at the milky grain stage.”

“This approach seems to have undoubtedly helped deliver the 13% protein despite exceptionally high yields.”

Mr Cowlrick notes that whilst Cruose is well known for its robust ratings, it is important to support these disease resistances with an appropriate fungicide programme. Mr Baird’s Crusoe received a four spray programme, the focus of which was to protect against Septoria and rusts and further into the season, mycotoxins.

Crusoe is a short strawed variety which stands well when treated with a PGR. Good straw strength is a positive attribute for a quality wheat variety, but again a good PGR programme is important to support this, adds Mr Cowlrick.

“The variety is a slightly later to ripen than say for example Solstice, and this allows for a longer grain filling period which undoubtedly contributes to the high yields.”

Crusoe

·         Standard Group 1 variety favoured by the milling / bread making industry, with export opportunities

·         Very reliable, consistent trial performance over years / regions / rotation slot and soil type

·         Inherent high grain protein content –the best within the group sector

·         Crusoe has exceptional disease resistance –Mildew, Yellow Rust and Septoria tritici

·         Brown rust requires monitoring!

·         Variety has taken significant market share as a feed wheat, specifically in Septoria tritici hot spot locations –South West 

·         High vernalisation requirement variety.