Weather complicates wheat scheme

Extreme weather in the past six months is affecting students taking part in this year’s Winter Wheat Challenge.

The contest, which is run by Scotland’s Rural College, SRUC, and sponsored by the Mains of Loirston Trust, puts agricultural students’ agronomy skills to the test.

This year’s competition has attracted entries from 20 teams, comprising 71 SRUC students.

Each team makes management decisions on their own plots on issues such as variety, seed rate, fertiliser and crop protection.

The winners, who will be revealed at the AgriScot event in November, are those who make the best return after paying for their variable costs.

SRUC lecturer in crop production, Alex Hilton, said: “This has been a very challenging year for the teams and it is very difficult to predict who will win.

“The winter was harsh on the developing crop with both the Beast and its little brother having an impact on establishment.

“Some of the teams have used a low seed rate, resulting in patchy crops.

“The lack of moisture this summer has meant that nitrogen granules have been lying on the surface, rather than breaking down and feeding the crop, resulting in deficiencies.

“A lack of nitrogen means that lower yields are more likely. However, there is little sign of disease so far in the crops.”

Picture: Kris Miller. The winter was harsh on the developing crop.