by PressLincolnshire spring oat crop breaks records
Lincolnshire spring oat crop exceeds 11 tonnes per hectare
The UK has had a difficult agricultural year, which has resulted in a decline in crop productivity. However, there have been some positive results. The spring oat crop in Lincolnshire was over 11 tonnes per hectare. This is almost double the national result.
Environmental issues are putting increasing pressure on the farming industry. In some regions, this is reflected in drought, and others, it is reflected in heavy rainfall. The UK has suffered from flooded fields, but Happy Days Farm in Lincolnshire has managed to harvest a record crop of oats. The spring crop of Merlin germinated perfectly despite heavy rainfall at the start of the ripening period. Growers were not expecting such a result and were preparing for minimal yields. However, when the time came to harvest the oats, they were surprised by the yields. Production of this cereal exceeded that of wheat.
Features of the Happy Days farm approach
Farmers started the planting season after a wet winter. They have sown 300 hectares on plots where the norm is 135 kg per hectare. Producers alternate crops, which helps to increase productivity. For example, rape was planted in 2022 and winter wheat in 2023.
The whole farm comprises:
— 2,000 hectares of arable land;
— several pig farms;
— average yields of 11.5 tonnes per hectare;
— some arable land yields up to 14 tonnes per hectare.
The high production figures for the 2024-2025 season have forced the farmers to revise their plans for next year. They now intend to increase their oat production. This crop fits well into the crop rotation, which is advantageous. One disadvantage is that the fields are littered after the cereal harvest.
It is worth noting that not all regions of the UK experienced a good harvest. Many farms have suffered from heavy rainfall, which has affected their profits this season. The uneven distribution of rainfall in different parts of the country also made farmers’ work more difficult, affecting the quality and quantity of crops harvested.
Benefits of the variety
The Merlin oat variety has played a key role in the success of Lincolnshire farmers. Cope developed this early maturing milling variety. It has high disease resistance. This allows growers to reduce chemical treatment costs and significantly increase yields. Such varieties are also financially attractive to growers.
Breeders are actively developing new varieties that can adapt to climate change. This is becoming a key aspect of modern agriculture. Such varieties minimise the risks associated with climatic anomalies and provide more stable yields.