Spring linseed Nulin50 has been listed as a top performer by Premium Crops, the specialist supplier of alternative seed varieties.
The latest assessment places Nulin50 at the top of the supplier’s 2026 Variety Assessment table for overall performance. It ranks highest when yield, oil content and alpha-linolenic acid content are considered together.
This makes Nulin50 a standout choice for spring sowing, says Premium Crops. Elevated ALA levels make the variety particularly well-suited to high-value markets focused on premium feed and nutrition it adds.
Trials network
Each year, Premium Crops commissions a network of trials, testing new lines alongside established commercial varieties – including spring crops and alternative varieties – to provide insights for growers.
Agronomist Sigourney Kornjaca said: “Our variety assessment tables capture Premium Crops’ R&D in linseed, linking genetics and agronomy to give growers across different systems clear choices that suit the unique conditions of each farm.”
The latest annual Variety Assessment Tables help growers evaluate spring and autumn break crops they might not otherwise consider. Nulin50 was placed top of the 2026 tables published to coincide with the launch of the AHDB Recommended Lists.
Also released are Premium Crops new spring and winter Grower Contracts, especially negotiated to give farmers the financial confidence to invest in minor crops by ensuring consistent, year-on-year profitability.
UK conditions
Farmers can analyse performance data to choose the crop varieties best suited to their own situation. In addition to yield, data is collected on a range of important crop characteristics such as maturity, height, vigour and grain quality.
By testing genetics under real UK growing conditions – including 2025’s dry growing season – and across different regions and soil types, the VATs provide farmers with independent, evidence-based information that supports better decision-making.
With the reductions in subsidies and challenges of climate change, the ability to align crops with environmental, market and end-user specifications (including contracts offered by Premium crops) is becoming invaluable.
The tables also highlight key traits such as disease resistance, maturity, lodging risk and oil or quality characteristics.
This enables growers to reduce agronomic risk and plan crop management more effectively.
Profitability
“Our alternative or specialist crops such as spring red wheat, fibre flax, borage, linseed, and naked oats can help farmers seeking to extend rotations, or those needing to replace a single crop in a rotation,” says Premium Crops agronomist James Stroude.
“With different nutrient requirements and impacts on the soil, farmers can benefit from extended rotations, as well as creating a break from the usual pests and diseases without any impact on sustainability credentials.
Introducing alternative crops not only benefits soil health and the environment, but as many have a premium selling price, there’s a benefit to the bottom line too.”
The Variety Assessment Tables can be downloaded from the Premium Crops website and will also be distributed this month at CropTec.
For full information, please visit www.premiumcrops.com