Oilseed Rape News

Launched on 1st December by Paul Gosling of AHDB, the new Recommended List (RL) for cereals and oilseeds is “packed full of options for multiple markets”.

Harvest 2026 is set to see a 30 percent rise in the oilseed rape compared with last year’s low level, along with a small increase in wheat, however, this will vary across the country, according to provisional results from AHDB’s Early Bird Survey conducted in early November. 

Oilseed rape growers are being urged to watch out for signs of phoma leaf spot and light leaf spot over the next few weeks, and treat crops where necessary to prevent any infection from taking hold.

Oilseed rape crops are presenting a mixed picture this autumn, with widely varying drilling dates creating stark contrasts in growth and management needs, Agrii agronomist Louisa Kenney reports.

Favourable conditions going into autumn have given oilseed rape crops a strong start, but growers are being urged to pay close attention to nutrition ahead of winter, as tissue testing has highlighted deficiencies.  

Arable growers should not rule out sowing oilseed rape (OSR) in September. Trials show that later drilling can achieve strong establishment and yield gains—provided the right variety and preparations are in place, said a DSV UK expert.

As much of the country receives welcome rainfall, there is an excellent opportunity to establish oilseed rape and capitalise on this potentially profitable break crop, according to Limagrain Field Seeds.

Given the season, many oilseed rape growers drilled in August, or even as early as late July. However, others are holding back, noting that later drilling into September has its advantages, said an NPZ UK expert.

Pesticide resistance continues to challenge arable production, with diminishing efficacy against key pest species. 

Results from all but one of the fungicide-treated Recommended List (RL) winter oilseed rape trials have been published today, covering sites from Wiltshire to Aberdeenshire, AHDB has shared.

Defra is being urged to ensure the SFI supports farmers in the face of a changing climate, as it develops the next round.

Exactly a decade after breaking the world record OSR yield, Lincolnshire farmer Tim Lamyman has defied the exceptionally dry season to bring in a record-breaking crop.