Unlike many farming sectors, UK wheat growing is set to hold-up very positively under a reformed CAP, according to an extensive 2006 national cropping intentions study conducted by RAGT Seeds this summer.

The study, involving questionnaires completed by more than 750 growers across the country, reveals 85% are planning to plant at least as much winter wheat this autumn as they did in 2004. What is more, fully 20% intend to increase their wheat growing.

The outlook for second wheats revealed by the study was also positive, with two thirds of growers expecting to plant the same or greater acreage as 2004.

“Even without area aid and at current prices most growers are continuing to see wheat as their Number One crop,” commented RAGT Seeds technical specialist, Dr Cathy Hooper. “At the same time, though, they are only too aware of the need to do everything they can to maximise its productivity.

“Consistency of performance over different and sometimes challenging seasons, has become at least as important as absolute yield,” she reported, “with the vast majority of growers looking to minimise their risk as much as maximising their output.

“In this respect, they tell us they are placing greater emphasis than ever before on reliability in both their variety selection and agronomy. Particularly, as far as second wheats are concerned. “Indeed, across the country the best second wheat crops are now significantly out-performing the average first wheats in yields, costs and margins as a result of better variety choice, and take-all and eyespot management in particular.

“UK wheat growing will continue to be challenging,” Dr Hooper acknowledges. “However, commercial performance analyses for the past five years show average gross margins of over £300/ha and £260/ha achieved for first and second wheats respectively at a £65/tonne wheat price against less than £250/ha from oilseed rape at £140/tonne. Under these circumstances, there is every reason for wheat to continue being most growers' first and second crop choices.”