The winter oats recommended list published this week by the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine saw WPB Isabel exit the list.

Husky and Enya both remain on the list. Husky has been on the list since 2020 and is the control variety for yield measurements. WPB Enya is slightly behind it on yield (see Table 1).

Husky has taller straw, but better resistance to lodging, but WPB Enya has better resistance to straw breakdown. If you are looking for a crop to harvest early, Husky is ahead by two points on ripening.

On grain quality, the varieties are close on kernel content and KPH, while WPB Enya has a much higher thousand grain weight.

Husky has a score of 5 for winter hardiness and no data is available for WPB Enya.

It should be noted that these varieties are spring varieties planted in the winter time and can be hit badly by severe frost and harsh winds, which can cause a drastic reduction in yield, according to the Department of Agriculture.

Seed availability

A massive 72% of the seed area for winter oats for this season was planted to Husky, while 28% was planted to WPB Enya.

Markets

Oats have been one of the most consistent varieties to grow on farms in recent years.

However, it is essential to make sure you have a buyer for the product before you plant it. Oat demand is still low.