Happy Days Farming is reporting a record-breaking harvest of Merlin spring oats, with yields of more than 11.5t/ha achieved.
The result, more than double the national average, has been attributed to the variety’s strong traits, an optimal nutrition plan and an unusually wet spring.
“The yield numbers on the display were so high we initially thought the equipment was faulty,” said farm manager Mark Popplewell. “The grain tank was filling much faster than expected, even compared to a strong wheat crop. It quickly became clear that we were looking at something exceptional.”
More impressively, this is the first oat crop grown by the company, which farms 2,000ha of arable land alongside a B&B pig enterprise.
“We were virgin oat growers this year. We planted 300ha on 30 March after a very wet winter in Lincolnshire, with a 135kg/ha drilling rate, following winter wheat in 2023 and before that, oilseed rape in 2022. The Merlin was seed treated with Vibrance Duo, it had two growth regulators, two fungicides and micronutrients applied, and 119.88 Kg/ha of nitrogen plus 39.96 kg/ha at SO3 rate.
“The average yield was 11.5t/ha with the monitor reaching 14t/ha in some places. We’re growing more Merlin in 2025 – the oats fit into the rotation well. We would plant more, but we have wild oats in many fields, so this limits us.”
The right plant breeding
The variety comes from Cope and the results at Happy Days Farming are said to underline the advancements in plant breeding.
“Resilient seed varieties are critical as farmers face increasing challenges from climate change and unpredictable weather,” says managing director, Gemma Clarke. “If we see advancements in varieties, we take them forward to official trials and if they perform well, we bring them to market.
“While the conditions this year were unique, the industry is having to contend with more unpredictable weather and demonstrates the need to continue investment in seed breeding to protect the future of farming.”
She adds: “Merlin has seen high yields this year, and we have applied for a YENs (Yield Enhancement Networks) award for this Lincolnshire crop, but it’s also a consistent performer.
“The combination of an early harvest, making it suitable for all regions of the UK, high disease resistance and strong yield potential means it’s attractive to farmers nationwide.
“Merlin is accepted by all mills, and it’s one of only two spring varieties on spring oat contracts. It’s an early variety (-1), offers a competitive lodging score of 7, and has a high rating of 8 for mildew. It also has low screenings which is a real bonus to the mills and a good specific weight.”