Group One milling wheat Crusoe continues to prove its worth on farm – 14 years after making its debut on the AHDB Recommended List.
Despite the arrival of newer genetics, the variety remains a popular choice for growers and end users alike, thanks to its dependable grain quality, strong protein content and consistent baking performance. Now the oldest variety on the Recommended List, Crusoe has outlasted many competitors that promised higher yields or better agronomic traits. Its longevity reflects a combination of reliable milling performance and the confidence it gives growers targeting premium markets.
That combination is increasingly valuable as many businesses focus on margin rather than outright yield. Where climate, soil type or seasonal conditions limit production, a dependable milling premium can contribute profitability. Essex farmer Richard Carr is among those who have remained loyal to Crusoe since its launch. He farms 220ha at Lawling Hall Farm near Maldon, where dry conditions regularly restrict yield potential despite productive soils.
Mr Carr is harvesting 85ha of winter wheat this summer – split equally between Crusoe and Skyfall, together with a small area of SY Cheer.
“One of our biggest challenges farming in this area is the lack of rainfall, which means we struggle to achieve the really high yields that some new Group 4 varieties promise, despite being on strong wheat-growing ground,” says Mr Carr. “That’s why we go for milling wheats; if yield is going to be compromised due to lack of rainfall, we’re better off going for a premium market instead.”
Consistent specification
Over the past 13 seasons, Crusoe has consistently achieved milling specification on the farm. Mr Carr says it has helped him develop long-term relationships with local grain buyers.
“We need to be over 13% protein, but more often than not, it’s nearer to 14% or above, which in some years can earn us a small extra premium on top of the milling price if supplies are tight.”
Consistency matters more than chasing headline Recommended List yields, says Mr Carr. Reliable quality allows the business to market grain with greater confidence and reduces uncertainty at harvest. The farm has changed significantly since Crusoe was first introduced. Establishment has moved away from traditional ploughing towards a predominantly minimum tillage system, although cultivation decisions are still made field by field.
“We’ve invested in drainage, which has made a big difference to soil health, crop uniformity, and has helped us go down the min-till route. It means we can usually get a head start for early applications of fertiliser and sprays in the spring.”
Disease management remains a priority. Mr Carr recognises that Crusoe can be vulnerable to early yellow rust and later brown rust. However, he believes both diseases are manageable with timely fungicide applications.
“We typically start by applying a good triazole at T0 to make sure crops are clean going into the main growing season, and maintain this protection with other chemistry at T1, T2, and T3. In high-pressure years, we might need an interim spray to cover the gap between T1 and T2, but decisions really depend on disease pressure and the season. We’ve found that if we can keep yellow rust out from the start, then Crusoe is quite good at growing away from it once adult plant resistance kicks in.”
Nutrition is equally important. Early access to fields allows fertiliser applications to begin in late February. Crusoe typically receives four nitrogen applications totalling 210-220kg N/ha. The programme starts with urea before moving to the main nitrogen dressing several weeks later. A final application of ammonium nitrate plus sulphur follows in late April or early May. A foliar nitrogen treatment is applied at the cheesy ripe stage to support grain protein. Micronutrients are also tailored using tissue analysis.
Tissue testing
“Magnesium deficiency is one of the main issues, as although soil levels are quite high, they are prone to nutrient lockup, so we monitor crops with tissue testing and address with foliar treatments as necessary.” Orange wheat blossom midge remains another consideration because Crusoe does not carry resistance. However, Mr Carr says the pest has not required treatment for several seasons. “Part of that might be due to the natural cycle of Orange Wheat Blossom Midge, or the fact that generally, farmers are now growing more midge resistant varieties.”
Harvest flexibility is another reason Crusoe remains in the rotation. Mr Carr says the variety generally maintains its Hagberg Falling Number well if poor weather delays combining.
That sort of performance and quality provides valuable insurance because the farm shares a hired combine with neighbouring businesses rather than owning its own machine.
“Generally, if the weather is unsettled, we’ll prioritise combining the Skyfall first, as Hagbergs tend to drop quicker in that than in Crusoe.”
Recent investment has further reduced harvest risk.
“But one of our biggest stress relievers has been the recent investment in a 20 tonne/hour continuous flow system for cleaning and drying grain, which has made harvest management a lot easier, and is a good insurance policy that means we can cut at 20% moisture if need-be.”
Looking ahead, Mr Carr plans to maintain a similar area of Crusoe while evaluating two newer Group One varieties on a limited scale. Any replacement must demonstrate both yield and milling performance, he adds. “At the moment, I can’t see any reason not to keep growing Crusoe. Any new varieties have got to prove themselves for both yield and quality before I make any significant changes.”