Wheat marketing for Gary White, farms manager for JW Grant and Co at Old Leake, Boston, is easy. All the grain produced goes to the farm's sister company, Fold Hill Foods, three miles down the road, where it is used to make high quality dry cat and dog food. The factory, which makes wheat based products, also procures grain from other farms in the area, as well as from JW Grant.
The specification required for the wheat on intake is as tight as for any grain going for human consumption. Mr White has to ensure he grows varieties that work well in the field and in the factory.
"Our basic requirement is for a high yielding, soft biscuit wheat," explains Mr White. "But on top of this, Fold Hill has very specific needs depending on which product is being made. For example, the biscuit products are made in a large convection oven and the grain needs to make a dough that will rise just enough in the baking process.
"We trial individual varieties, and how they do in the factory is as important as their performance in the field."
Claire and Consort have been the main varieties grown in recent years, but last year Mr White tried some Nijinsky – the new high yielding Group 3 from Nickerson that is the result of crossing these two popular varieties.
Nijinsky derives good disease resistance from Claire, scoring highly against Septoria diseases, yellow rust – particularly important around the Wash where yellow rust can be a significant problem – and eyespot. It also has improved mildew resistance compared to Claire. From the Consort side of the line, Nijinsky gets its high rating for standing power and its short, stiff straw.
"The Nijinsky we grew last year impressed us, and compared favourably with Consort and Claire when we put it through the mill," said Mr White. "Last autumn we drilled 40ha on some heavy silt after a crop of cabbage. It germinated well and has had nitrogen in March, and a comprehensive disease control programme this spring.
"Our wheat land is capable of high yields, particularly for our first wheats after vegetables. We have high hopes that Nijinsky will perform well for us this year."
