Fane Valley’s Top Picks for Harvest 2026

As combines finish up across the country, many growers are already looking ahead to autumn drilling. Fane Valley has placed risk management at the core of its winter cereal portfolio. “Our focus is on supporting growers with genetics and seed technologies that promote strong establishment and guard against key threats such as BYDV, septoria and yellow rust, while still delivering top-end yield,” explains Stephen Bell, Arable Technical Manager.

Winter Barley – BYDV-Tolerant Varieties Take Centre Stage

Barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) remains one of the biggest risks for early drilled crops. To meet this challenge, Fane Valley has put BYDV-tolerant barley varieties firmly in the spotlight. More than 60% of the portfolio now carries in-built tolerance, including Molly, Orcade and Joyau – all recommended by the Department of Agriculture, Food and Marine. These varieties give growers flexibility to drill earlier without compromising yield security.

For those seeking proven performers, LG Caravelle offers high tillering and robust disease resistance, while KWS Tardis continues to impress on heavy soils with its strong straw and lodging resistance. Among hybrids, SY Quantock has set a new UK benchmark for yield and specific weight, with SY Canyon maintaining its reliable all-round package.

Winter Wheat – Balancing Yield with Disease Resistance

The breakdown of the Yr15 resistance gene has left some leading wheats more exposed to yellow rust. Champion and Bamford remain high yielding but will require tighter rust management. Graham and KWS Extase retain strong all-round profiles, while newcomer KWS Arnie delivers 4% higher yield than Extase, with stiffer straw and stronger eyespot resistance — making it an excellent second wheat choice. Mayflower remains attractive for its best-in-class septoria ratings, despite rust vulnerability.

Oats, Rye and Triticale – Broadening Rotations

Oats continue to be well supported, with Mascani and Husky delivering the milling quality valued by White’s Oats. Hybrid rye options – SU Baresi, SU Perspectiv and Astranos – are growing in popularity for wholecrop silage and AD plants, while Lumaco triticale provides another versatile break crop.

Seed Treatments – Safeguarding Establishment

Seed treatments remain key in managing early risk and protecting margins. Latitude is essential for take-all in second wheats, while Manganese supports crops in soils prone to stress. Kick-Off boosts rooting, vigour and nitrogen efficiency, while biological Tiros Max contributes up to 30 kg N/ha and unlocks soil phosphate, adding resilience to later drilling.

This season we’ve focused on genetics and seed technologies that reduce risk and strengthen rotations,” concludes Stephen Bell. “It’s about helping growers handle disease pressure and variable conditions with greater confidence.”

For full technical advice on variety selection, rotational planning and seed treatment options, contact your local Fane Valley Agronomist or call 028 9261 0485.