Merlin is a new outstanding addition to the spring oat market launching exclusively from Cope Seeds and Grain in spring 2022.
Delivering an unrivalled combination of yield, quality, agronomic features and disease resistance, Merlin’s trial results are so good that seed production has been fast-tracked.
According to Gemma Clarke at Cope Seeds and Grain, the UK agents of the new variety, Merlin is a standout oat for UK farmers and millers. “Merlin spring oat is suited to all regions in the UK and because of its early maturity, it will do well in wetter climates and the north of the country, where maturity is vital. It delivers consistency and quality to millers, due to its high specific weight, high kernel content and extremely low screening losses.”
“It was the highest yielding variety with the lowest screenings of any oat in trials and performs exceptionally well when grown organically or conventionally with the best standing score of 9.
“Also, for farmers looking to farm more environmentally with less inputs, Merlin has exceptional disease resistance scores with a mildew score of 8,” adds Gemma.
Richard Monk, Hampshire arable farmer, has seen fantastic results with Merlin spring oats. “Merlin established well and has strong disease resistance. It was harvested on 22 August and despite the catchy weather at the time it was standing well and combined easily.
“The yield was 69t from 9.3ha and the germination was sound. This was a better yield than other spring oats we were growing, so I am optimistic that Merlin will be a good variety to grow as it becomes more widely available and approved by the millers. We will be growing a bigger area for 2021 harvest,” Richard Monk, Hampshire arable farmer.
Merlin Spring oats will be available from your local seed merchant from Spring 2022. In the meantime, to find out more about this exciting, new variety visit: https://copeseeds.co.uk/products/exclusive-varieties/merlin-spring-oat/.
If you would like to express early interest in this variety please contact your seed merchant. To get in touch with Cope Seeds and Grain, email gemmac@copeseeds.co.uk.
