AHDB Recommended List 2019: An Overview
The AHDB Recommended List has been an invaluable tool for farmers and growers since it was first published over 70 years ago. The list provides independent information on the performance and characteristics of a wide range of crop varieties, helping farmers and growers make informed decisions about which crops to grow based on their suitability to particular environments and their yield potential.
The 2019 AHDB Recommended List has been compiled using data collected from a wide range of trials, including National Listing Trials, Recommended Lists Trials, and UK National Testing. This means that farmers and growers can be confident that the information provided is both accurate and up-to-date.
The 2019 list covers a range of crops, including cereals, oilseeds, and pulses. Some of the key changes from the 2018 list include the introduction of new hybrid oilseed rape varieties, improved barley varieties with enhanced disease resistance, and the expansion of the winter wheat categories to include all quality types.
The information provided in the list is designed to help farmers and growers make decisions about which varieties to grow based on a range of factors, including their yield potential, ease of management, and disease resistance. By using the information provided in the list, farmers and growers can make informed decisions about which crops to grow that will help them to maximise their yields and reduce their costs.
The 2019 AHDB Recommended List is an essential resource for any farmer or grower. With its comprehensive and up-to-date information on a wide range of crop varieties, the list provides farmers and growers with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about which crops to grow. By using the information provided in the list, farmers and growers can ensure that they are maximising their yields and reducing their costs, helping them to remain competitive in an increasingly challenging marketplace.
Varieties Recommended for Spring Sowing
Spring is the perfect time to sow crops and the list of recommended AHDB varieties for 2019 has some exciting options. From barley to wheat, the list is filled with choices that have been designed to thrive in the British landscape. Each variety has its unique qualities that make it optimum for different soil conditions and weather. If you are looking for the best crops to take advantage of the spring and summer seasons, check out the following varieties that are recommended for spring sowing in 2019.
Winter Wheat
One of the highlights of the varieties recommended for spring sowing is the winter wheat. This crop has always been a favorite amongst UK farmers and continues to be so in 2019. The AHDB list has a few winter wheat varieties that are highly recommended, including the Graham, Costello, and Evolution. These varieties offer a range of excellent yields and disease resistance, making them perfect for any farm. Graham is the top choice for biscuit, bread, and noodle wheat, while Evolution is well-known for its yield and quality. Costello has shown excellent resistance to fusarium and septoria, which are common wheat diseases in the UK.
Spring Barley
Another exciting crop that is highly recommended for spring sowing in 2019 is the spring barley. The AHDB list has a few varieties that farmers can choose from, including the Propino, RGT Planet, and Sanette. These varieties offer a range of excellent yields and quality characteristics, making them perfect for brewing, malt, and distilling. Propino is a top choice for distilling and brewing due to its excellent quality and yield. RGT Planet is known for its quick establishment, allowing farmers to benefit from early harvesting times. Sanette has shown to have superior resistance to mildew, making it an excellent choice for any farm.
Winter Barley
Winter barley is another great crop that farmers can consider for spring sowing in 2019. The AHDB list has some excellent varieties to choose from, including the Cassia, KWS Glacier, and Orwell. These varieties offer a range of excellent yields, quality, and resistance to diseases such as rhynchosporium and mildew. Cassia is a top choice for quality and yield, perfect for brewing and malt. KWS Glacier is known for its excellent resistance to diseases and excellent yield. Orwell is ideal for grain production, with superior straw strength, good disease resistance, and high yields.
Spring Oats
Finally, the list of recommended varieties for spring sowing in 2019 includes spring oats. This crop has become increasingly popular on UK farms and offers some unique benefits over the winter counterpart. The AHDB list recommends the Canyon and Husky varieties, both of which have shown excellent yields, quality, and disease resistance. Canyon is an excellent choice for milling due to its high groat content and excellent yield. Husky, on the other hand, has shown to be an excellent choice for animal feed due to its high-energy content.
In conclusion, the AHDB recommended list for 2019 has some exciting choices for farmers looking to sow crops this spring. The list offers a range of crops suitable for different soil types, weather conditions, and farming systems. Whether you are looking for wheat, barley, or oats, there is a variety that offers the yield, quality, and disease resistance needed to achieve a great harvest. So, make sure you check out the list and choose the variety that best suits your farm’s needs. With the right choice of crops, the spring and summer seasons can be very productive, and at the same time, profitable for all farmers.
Varieties Recommended for Winter Sowing
Winter sowing can be a great way to start your garden earlier in the spring and extend your growing season. By planting in the winter, you can take advantage of the cold weather and snow cover to help stratify your seeds, and you’ll often see lower disease and pest pressures. Here are three winter sowing varieties recommended by the AHDB:
1. Chinese Cabbage
Chinese cabbage is a great variety for winter sowing because it is very hardy and can withstand the cold temperatures and snow cover. The heads are tight, with long, pale green leaves, and are similar in taste to regular cabbage. They grow quickly and can be harvested in the spring, making them a perfect addition to any cold-weather garden! However, you should be aware that Chinese cabbage can be susceptible to pests like aphids and cabbage worms, so be sure to monitor your plants carefully and take action if necessary.
2. Broad Beans
Broad beans are a cold-loving crop that is perfect for winter sowing. They are incredibly easy to grow and require little care, making them a great option for beginner gardeners. For best results, you should plant your broad beans directly into the soil in the winter months, and they will germinate and grow once the weather begins to warm up in the spring. You can harvest the beans in the early summer, and they are delicious and nutritious!
3. Leeks
Leeks are a great crop for winter sowing because they can withstand cold temperatures and frost. They are incredibly versatile in the kitchen and can be used in soups, stews, and many other dishes. When planting leeks in the winter, you should start with small plants rather than seeds, as they can take a while to germinate in cold soil. You should also plant them in deep holes to ensure they have room to grow, and keep the soil moist throughout the winter months. With a little care and attention, you’ll be enjoying fresh, delicious leeks in the spring!
In conclusion, winter sowing can be a great way to start your garden earlier in the season and give your crops a head start. By planting hardy and cold-loving varieties such as Chinese cabbage, broad beans, and leeks, you can ensure a successful winter harvest and a delicious crop in the spring!
Evaluation Criteria for the Recommended List
The AHDB Recommended List 2019 is a list of varieties of cereals, oilseeds and potatoes that have been tested and recommended for use by farmers in the UK. The list is compiled and published annually by the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB), in collaboration with plant breeders and independent trial organizations. To be included in the Recommended List, varieties are tested for a range of traits and characteristics, such as yield potential and disease resistance. In this article, we will examine the evaluation criteria used in the current list.
Yield Potential
One of the most important evaluation criteria for the Recommended List is yield potential, which refers to the amount of crop that a variety can produce under optimal conditions. Yield is usually measured in terms of tonnes per hectare, and varieties that produce high yields are highly sought after by farmers. The yield potential of a variety is assessed by conducting field trials in different regions and under different soil and climate conditions. This helps to ensure that the varieties selected for the Recommended List are able to perform well across a range of conditions.
Disease and Pest Resistance
Disease and pest resistance is another important criteria for varieties that are included in the Recommended List. Farmers face a variety of diseases and pests that can limit the growth and yield of crops, and varieties that are resistant to these threats are highly desirable. The resistance of a variety to diseases and pests is assessed through controlled laboratory tests and field trials. This helps to ensure that the varieties selected for the Recommended List have a good level of resistance to the most common pests and diseases.
Quality Characteristics
In addition to yield potential and disease resistance, the Recommended List also considers other quality characteristics, such as grain quality and processing characteristics. For example, in the case of potatoes, the list includes varieties that are suitable for a range of end uses, such as chips, crisps or French fries. In the case of cereals, the list includes varieties that produce grain with high protein content, which is valued by millers and bakers. The quality characteristics of a variety are assessed by conducting laboratory tests and by working closely with processors and end-users of the crops.
Environmental Impact
Finally, the Recommended List also considers the environmental impact of the different varieties. This includes factors such as nitrogen and phosphorus use efficiency, as well as the carbon footprint and water use efficiency of the crops. The aim is to select varieties that are not only high yielding and disease resistant, but also environmentally sustainable. The environmental impact of the varieties is assessed by conducting field trials and by working with experts in the field of environmental science and sustainability.
Conclusion
The AHDB Recommended List 2019 is a rigorous and comprehensive list of varieties of cereals, oilseeds and potatoes that have been tested and recommended for use by farmers in the UK. The list takes into account a range of evaluation criteria, including yield potential, disease and pest resistance, quality characteristics and environmental impact. By using the Recommended List, farmers can choose varieties that have been proven to perform well in their particular region and under their particular growing conditions.
Future of AHDB Recommended List: Prospects and Challenges
The AHDB Recommended List has been an important tool for UK farmers for decades. It provides a comprehensive guide to the varieties of crops and their performance, helping growers to make informed decisions about which crops to grow. The list is updated every year, and the latest version for 2019 has just been released. But what does the future hold for the AHDB Recommended List, and what challenges does it face?
1. The increasing importance of sustainability
Sustainable agriculture is becoming a key concern for both farmers and consumers. Increasingly, farmers are expected to reduce their environmental impact and grow crops in a way that is consistent with the principles of sustainable agriculture. This trend is likely to continue, and as a result, the AHDB Recommended List may need to adapt. In the future, the list may need to include information about the sustainability of different crop varieties, as well as their yield and disease resistance.
2. The rise of new technologies
New technologies are transforming agriculture, and the AHDB Recommended List will need to keep pace with these changes. For example, precision agriculture is becoming more common, and crop varieties that perform well under these conditions may need to be included in the list. Similarly, new breeding techniques such as gene editing may produce crops with new and desirable traits. The AHDB Recommended List will need to assess these new varieties and provide guidance on their performance and suitability for different farming systems.
3. The impact of Brexit
The future of the AHDB Recommended List is uncertain in the face of Brexit. Currently, the UK is a member of the EU, and the list is linked to the European Seed Catalogue. However, after Brexit, the UK will no longer be part of the EU, and the future of the list is unclear. The UK government has pledged to maintain the list and ensure that it continues to provide valuable information for farmers, but it remains to be seen how this will be achieved.
4. The need for more diversity in crops
Climate change and other factors are increasing the need for greater diversity in UK agriculture. Currently, there is a narrow range of crop varieties grown in the UK, and this can lead to problems with disease and pests. The AHDB Recommended List may need to provide more information about different varieties of crops, including those that are not currently widely grown in the UK.
5. The challenge of communicating information effectively
One of the challenges facing the AHDB Recommended List is how to communicate the information effectively to farmers. The list contains a vast amount of data, and it can be difficult for farmers to interpret this information and apply it to their own farming systems. The AHDB will need to develop new and innovative ways of presenting information, including the use of digital technology, to make the list more accessible and user-friendly.
In conclusion, the AHDB Recommended List has a bright future, but it will need to adapt to changing circumstances. The challenges of sustainability, new technologies, Brexit, diversity, and communication will need to be addressed, but with the right approach, the list can continue to provide valuable guidance to UK farmers for many years to come.
