Linseed will provide growers with an excellent opportunity to generate considerably higher gross margins than traditional spring-sown crops during the year ahead, according to Limagrain UK (Nickerson).

“Light land farmers in the South of England have a real opportunity to profit from the crop this spring, especially with spot prices at £300 per tonne and buy-back contracts available at around that figure,” states Les Daubney, the company’s Oilseed Product Manager.

“With feed barley prices at around £80/t and maltsters not giving clear signals in terms of buy-back contracts for malting barley, linseed yielding 1.8 tonnes per hectare (0.75t/acre) could produce a gross margin of over £500/ha (£202/acre). Linseed offers a real financial opportunity and looks a very attractive option at a time when prices for other crops are a little depressed.”

Another key factor currently favoring linseed production in the UK is the fact that Canada, one of the major exporters to the EU, is currently experiencing supply difficulties following the discovery of traces of a non-approved genetically-modified variety in EU-imported crop. This has led to a shortage which has boosted prices and provided an opportunity for EU-produced linseed to fill the gap.

The market for linseed within the EU, Mr Daubney explains, is split between oils used for varnishes and paints and established demand from France, where livestock are fed linseed because of its high Omega 3 oil content. The French incorporate linseed into feed rations to boost the health of livestock, which additionally benefits human health because the effects are passed on when their milk and meat are consumed.

“Compared with many other spring crops, linseed is a relatively low-input option which requires only the application of  a maintenance dressing of P+K plus 90-125kg/ha of nitrogen to the growing crop,” explains Mr Daubney. “Apart from the cost of the seed, herbicides are probably the greatest cost, while a recommended single fungicide application provides sufficient disease control as well as growth regulatory benefits. The only other expense is a desiccant prior to harvest.”

Mr Daubney emphasises that it is vital to achieve good establishment from mid-March to April to get linseed set up for the season, generally resulting in an earlier-harvested crop which can be combined after winter wheat. As a late-sown broad-leaved crop, linseed also provides growers with an excellent opportunity to control black-grass and other grass weeds in the rotation.

“Nickerson’s new linseed Aries was elevated to the HGCA’s 2009 Descriptive List as a high-yielding variety which, importantly, has an early maturity trait. Traditionally, high-yielding varieties have tended to be later maturing, which can cause problems with later harvesting, but Aries is currently the second highest yielder on the List, while also being early to mature. A small amount of seed is currently available for planting next year.

“Yield, maturity and standing ability are critical to the success of linseed because harvesting a lodged crop can be very difficult. We’ve not had one crop of Aries that has lodged during the three years of trials to date.

“In my view, 2010 will be a more traditional spring compared with 2009, with less land available because of the higher winter wheat plantings this autumn. Where growers are currently considering their choices linseed looks a promising option, particularly on lighter land.

Growers can obtain further information from Les Daubney at Nickerson on 01472 371471, or email: enquiries@nickerson.co.uk