AF Group

Your Autumn seed varieties for 2026-27

Explore the latest winter wheat, winter barley and oilseed rape varieties, along with current availability.

Seed stocks will be tight this year

Your AF Seed Team works with breeders and suppliers to secure seed stock on behalf of AF Members. We're already hearing that stocks of key varieties will be lower than in previous years. The earlier we understand your requirements, the greater our ability to secure the varieties you want, negotiate the best possible prices and avoid the disappointment of compromised choices later in the season. By speaking to us now, you'll benefit from:

  • greater purchasing power through AF, helping deliver the most competitive prices possible
  • independent technical advice on both proven favourites and the newest Recommended List varieties to maximise performance on your farm
  • confidence in your drilling plans, with seed secured well before the autumn rush.

New Recommended List varieties

New winter wheat varieties:

Group 1:

Arlington

Very limited supply - 1% C1 seed in the market. High quality bread-making, featuring improved disease scores but with the same built-in resistance to OWBM, wide sowing window and stiff strawed.

Group 4 soft:

Sparkler

Brings very high yield potential, with a good combination of yellow rust and Septoria resistance in the soft sector.

Group 4 hard:

KWS Aintree

Highest yielding variety on the RL. YR15 gene so watch for yellow rust. Suitable for a range of soils.

LG Defiance

Consistent across regions, excellent yellow rust and OWBM resistance. Good all-rounder, watch for lodging.

LG Challenger

Very small amount available. Stiffer-strawed than Defiance, earlier driller. Highest yielding early driller.

KWS Fowlmere

Limited supply - only 2% C1 seed in the market. Early maturing variety, good specific weight and strong yield potential. Watch for standing (early harvest).

New winter barley varieties:

2 row:

LG Catapult

BYDV tolerant variety, offering good disease resistance, high specific weight and low screenings.

6 row:

SY Barnabus

Highest untreated yield with a very high specific weight.

New oilseed rape varieties:

Dompteur

Highest yielding on the RL. Offering a combination of outstanding yield potential and a package of traits (TuYv and Pod Shatter resistance, Phoma Blocker technology and a Light Leaf Spot score of 8).

Karat

At 46.8% oil versus pinnacle at 45.1%, oil bonus works out well. Good disease package, combining Rlm12 and RlmS (the first stacking of these phoma genes) and a good stem health. A taller, stiff type with deep canopy.

Get in touch with your AF Seed Team

To discuss variety choices, request a quote or place an order for new or other varieties, contact your AF Seed Team.

Email: seed@af.farm Call: 01603 881830