Hybrid oilseed rape varieties just more reliable

Jonny Rutherford (right) discusses oilseed rape establishment policies with soil management consultant Philip Wright

Good soil management is the foundation of good crops of oilseed rape, but there are some basics on which Jonny Rutherford refuses to compromise.

“We’re still growing oilseed rape successfully, but we’ve had to adapt the system to reflect how the risks have changed,” says Mr Rutherford who farms in partnership with his parents at WPR Farms, near Bedlington in east Northumberland.

“Cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) is a pest we must take seriously, but so are slugs and pigeons. Fortunately, what we do to counter one threat also helps to reduce the risks posed by another,” he says.

The soils that characterise their owned, rented and contract-farmed land managed by WPR Farms vary in their classification, but none could be considered kind or easy-to-work says Mr Rutherford.

“A large part of the farm is made-up of reclaimed open cast mine. It’s quite heavy and, at times, difficult to manage, but it can also grow some excellent crops, especially second wheats.”

Like many farms, the business has sought to move towards a less intensive cultivation regime to save costs and promote soil health. “We used to follow quite an intensive approach but have gradually moved away from that. We have also applied a lot of poultry manure to help condition soils while supporting fertility,” Mr Rutherford says.

The move to a less intensive regime has brought significant cost savings, but also required a change in machinery policy.

“There have been savings in labour, fuel, wearing parts while the implement fleet has gradually been streamlined. For establishing oilseed rape, a He-Va Evolution multi-seeder now does the job that previously required a Simba SL, a furrow-press and sometimes a power-harrow, before being drilled and then separate applications for fertilising and slug pelleting,” he explains.

A simpler system has been the principal benefit, but there have been others. “The gains have been gradual. Water infiltration has improved while the land is now easier to travel on,” he adds.

While some practices have been abandoned, others have gained a greater emphasis. “The focus is still on getting the crop off to the best possible start. Straw is removed ahead of drilling which means we have less slug pressure to contend with while phosphate placed next to the seed at drilling helps to promote rooting which results in stronger early growth. This helps to limit the damage by flea beetle and pigeons.”

Seed placement is one area with greater consideration than it received even 10 years ago, but it has been central to supporting a more efficient operation.

“Previously we sowed crops using a conventional drill and this worked well, but we wanted greater consistency in seed depth. We’re looking to create an even crop as this supports other decisions from the timing of autumn herbicides to crop protection to fertiliser timings,” Mr Rutherford says.

The need for consistent crops with the vigour to grow away from pests means great importance is attached to variety selection.

“Variety choice can be influenced by a myriad of factors, but we have some basic requirements which have always led us to choose those that best suit our situation.”

"We’ve always favoured hybrids for their vigorous growth habit, especially in the spring when we need the plant to get going early. Our move to wide rows – 46 cm spacing compared with 12.5cm of the old regime – means we have crops with bigger canopies. Hybrids tend to have stiffer stems so are better able to support the heavier canopies and they seem better able to deliver that late-season pod fill which is vital for producing profitable crops,” he says.