Top-yielding second soft wheat in sharp focus

Plant breeder RAGT returns to Cereals for another year with its new soft feed RGT Hexton providing the focus for its stand.

The Recommended List topping second wheat performance at 108% is sure to draw the eye of farmers looking for varieties to fill this slot, says Ed Stanford, cereals product manager for RAGT UK.

“RGT Hexton has an excellent agronomic package, with market potential for export and distilling,” explains Mr Stanford. “It performs well in any situation but stands out as a second wheat and in the north.

Mr Stanford says the seed trade in northern England and Scotland is preparing for strong demand for RGT Hexton this summer. With its RL yield for the north at 111%, it stands head and shoulders above the next best variety, he adds.

“Coupled with its dramatically improved septoria resistance compared to long-established popular varieties, Scotland could experience a significant changeover in varieties this season.”

BYDV resistance

RAGT will also demonstrate the value of the barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) resistance pioneered in its wheat varieties. Genetics can help farmers reduce – or in most cases eliminate – insecticide usage wheat crops, says Mr Stanford.

“For 2025, we are comparing BYDV-resistant varieties like the newly recommended RGT Goldfinch against the RL controls in plots inoculated with BYDV-carrying aphids. When it strikes, the effects of BYDV can be devastating.”

RAGT is exhibiting on stand 1108 at Cereals 2025