THE annual Mole Valley Farmers (MVF) varieties open day at Croft Farms, near Darlington, on Friday of last week was well attended by farmers.

Peter Collins, company seed manager, gave a run-down of the performance of wheat, barley and oilseed rape in the trial plots, with KWS Siskin standing out among the wheats.

He said: "I consider KWS Siskin the number one winter wheat variety for 2015 and 2016. It is regarded as unrivalled, in terms of disease resistance. This feature means it is likely to sell out on a national scale, within the next few weeks."

Two other wheats worth consideration were JB Diego and KWS Gator, he added.

"JB Diego was introduced in 2008 and has stood the test of time, accounting for almost 28 per cent of our seed sales in 2015. It may not have the highest yields, but it is noted for its consistency, which growers greatly appreciate.

"However, for anyone looking to push on with yields and increase disease resistance, KWS Gator would be a good choice. It is tremendous in a second wheat slot, with high yield potential in the North of England. It has twin eights for resistance to lodging, both with and without a plant growth regulator."

KWS Lili was another very strong variety and excellent in a first wheat situation, standing short and stiff, with the potential for high yields, he said. It also had good grain quality and could achieve a bread-making premium, if farmers had the facilities for separate storage.

Among the barley varieties, Mr Collins picked out KWS Tower and Bazooka (Hyvido).

"Tower has nice big ears and big, bold grains; it is looking very good and should produce plenty of straw. It has shown no major disease weaknesses and is suited to most soils, although it seems to be at its best on lighter land. Tower is gradually edging out its sister variety, KWS Glacier.

"Bazooka is the highest-yielding six-row on the new, 2016/17 AHDB Recommended List. It is much taller than Hyvido’s Volume, as well as having stiffer straw and an improved level of disease resistance."