Variety Choices 2026/2027
Wheat
In my previous Variety Choices update, I encouraged members to select a single preferred winter wheat variety as has always been the case. In contrast to the previous two seasons, when the market afforded £60/£70 milling premiums, in recent months milling premiums have all but gone, and that presents the case for reflection. We should recall that the 2025 wheat harvest crop produced the best ever UK milling quality with most farmers with Group 1 able to sell to a flour mill on a bread making contract. This seems unlikely to be repeated to the same degree in future and, with imported values significantly higher than the domestic market prices, a loss of quality nationally would lead to a positive change in the milling premium outlook.
The Middle Eastern conflict and its impact on fuel and fertiliser cost and availability, presents even more challenging economics for milling wheat growers. Variety choices therefore become an even greater challenge to make. Camgrain are best placed to take advantage of any quality issues and premium opportunities developing, helped by the new protein sorter. Therefore, I would continue to encourage Group 1 varieties for Camgrain members although varieties from the other groupings are hard to ignore in the current climate where a clear yield advantage is assured.
Group 1
Having had several years of stagnation on new varieties, there is now a wealth of choice from new arrivals, although yields for many of them are below control. Crusoe, Illustrious, Skyfall and Zyatt are still the highest yielding Group 1 and continue on the recommended list. Cheer and Vibe are the new arrivals with Arlington, at the time of writing, provisionally listed as a Group 1. Confirmation as such or otherwise is imminent.
Group 2
Most of the Group 2 varieties have an inherent yield advantage over the Group 1 varieties but, with the risk of lower milling premiums, there is less reason to chase protein in Group 2 varieties, and selecting these for the low grade milling market, around 11.3 % protein or feed market is most appropriate.
KWS Arnie continues to offer best yield potential with new arrival KWS Grebe just behind. Extase continues to offer the best milling potential but there is limited milling demand and only where proteins over 12.5% can be consistently achieved; otherwise, it should be grown as feed.
Group 3 and Group 4 Soft
The soft wheat market turned on its head this season compared to the previous. Low proteins and ergot left soft wheat supplies during the 2024/25 season incredibly tight and premiums soaring. 2025 produced the ideal quality with the soft wheat planted area higher resulting over supply and premium almost gone post-harvest. None the less the higher yield potential from some varieties and potential for sustainability contracts leave soft varieties KWS Solitaire and Bamford dominate the Group 3 sector with Sparkler added to the Group 4 soft line up.
Group 4 Hard
A few new additions for this sector with strong yield potential including KWS Scope, LG Challenger, LG Defiance and highest yielding KWS Aintree. Selecting the most suitable and popular from these looks sensible for future cleaned wheat markets.
For 2026 harvest Gleam, Dawsum and Beowulf are those approved for Cereal Partners. We will keep you updated on progress on this matter at the earliest opportunity.
Spring Malting Barley
Laureate remains the preferred spring malting barley variety followed by Planet. Both varieties are fully approved for the domestic and export markets. Low nitrogen Laureate is more likely to receive a bigger premium compared to low nitrogen Planet due to it being acceptable in the distilling market. We would urge caution on other varieties as premium opportunities are likely to be very limited.
Other Varieties
We would caution growing all other varieties for malting purposes; including Skyway and Diablo which should now be considered as feed only.
Winter Malting Barley
Craft continues to be the first-choice winter malting variety however, we anticipate the market share for Buccaneer to increase this season. It is still likely the variety will trade at a discount to Craft due to more limited markets.
Oats
Preferred winter varieties are Mascani and Cromwell. In trials, Cromwell is slightly earlier to mature than Mascani.
Isabel is the preferred spring variety than Merlin; higher yield, but hulling losses a little higher than Isabel. Caledon, the next new spring variety, shows promise with the highest yield of the three and hulling losses similar to Isabel.
Green Peas
The higher prices are gained for good size and colour, whole green peas suitable for micronizing or human consumption.
We therefore recommend Pangea, a new green pea for Harvest 2027, with excellent yield and disease portfolio, plus being highly resistant to powdery mildew. Seed will be very limited.
Field Beans
Both winter and spring beans can attain premiums for human consumption export. Winters predominantly for splitting and springs whole into the Middle East. Criteria are plump, well filled, paled skinned beans with low insect damage.
For winter beans we recommend Vespa as it performs well in the field, combining high yield with good disease ratings, and for spring beans we recommend Lynx, which are widely grown, being consistent with growers.
Linseed
Winter and spring brown linseed varieties are accepted for all markets. For winter linseed we recommend Odin and spring linseed, Bingo and Bliss. Golden variety contracts are also available but require extra considerations.
Winter Rye
All grain rye varieties accepted, ideally growers should be aiming for a minimum 8.5% protein which might influence the variety choice.
Organics
Contact Tom Wood (Robin Appel) directly for all Organic variety choices.
