New wheat proves its worth on Hampshire Farm

Hampshire cereal farmer Ian Clarke inspects his crop of Einstein, the new NABIM Group 2 winter wheat bred by Nickerson. Impressed by what he saw in local trials last season, Ian has grown a small acreage to see how it performs on his farm.

"The Einstein is really looking clean and green, and I am optimistic for both high yields and quality come harvest time," says Mr Clarke. "This field was badly hit by rabbit damage at the end of the winter but the crop recovered well, despite the prolonged dry spell we had in the spring.

"I only grow Group 1 and Group 2 varieties to ensure I earn a milling premium on every acre I grow," Mr Clarke explains. "Einstein is an exciting variety because it yields well, but not at the expense of grain quality. With millers at home and abroad saying they will buy it, I will definitely be drilling more Einstein this autumn."

Mr Clarke farms 3,000 acres (1,200 ha) of arable land near Andover, with 750 acres (306ha) of winter wheat, primarily grown as first wheats. The rotation includes oilseed rape, winter oats (conservation grade), and spring barley for malting.

Einstein was added to the Recommended List for 2003, with a yield potential 3% above Solstice. It has good Hagberg falling number and specific weight, and excellent milling properties - with the high rates of flour extraction and good flour colour domestic and overseas customers are looking for. It also has good all-round disease resistance – a characteristic common to Nickerson-bred varieties, and short, stiff straw.