Hammer beans rate as a 7 for earliness of ripening according to Seedtech, which is two points higher than the biggest variety on the market – Lynx.

The variety is approximately 4cm shorter than Lynx in trials and while it is slightly behind on stem strength, it matches the variety on resistance to downy mildew and chocolate spot, with scores of 8 for both.

Hammer is a low vicine convicine bean, which means more beans can be added to pig and poultry rations. Hammer has 7% of the seed area in certification at present.

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Lynx will remain the most commonly grown variety next season with 56% of the seed area, followed by Protina at 21% and Callas at 16%.

Callas has early vigour and is possibly suitable for drilling from January to April, with good resistance to downy mildew and chocolate spot.

Protina and Callas are both rated as a 7 for earliness of ripening, ahead of Lynx on the recommended list.

Winter beans and peas

Vespa and Vincent remain the winter beans available on the market. The pea area increased significantly this year.

Goldcrop has the variety Ingrid for the season ahead. Ingrid has a good standing ability, which is so important with peas.