A Strategy Built on Detail, Drainage, and Vigour
Ben Abell, Head of Agronomy at Dyson Farming, has been growing oilseed rape (OSR) for over a decade across their 36,000-acre operation, which spans Lincolnshire, Oxfordshire, West Berkshire, Somerset, and Gloucestershire. For Ben and his team, OSR remains a cornerstone break crop – and a valuable part of their long-term rotation strategy.
Rotation and Establishment Built for Success
At Dyson, OSR typically follows a minimum one-in-five rotation, sitting alongside wheat, maize, sugar beet, potatoes, and spring barley. Most of the OSR is grown on heavier land, and the emphasis is on getting establishment right the first time.
“We don’t move too much soil – moisture is key,” Ben explains. Establishment is handled with precision, using a Tempo drill with a toolbar that allows for strip tillage, also placing DAP and slug pellets in one pass. This approach minimises disturbance, locks in precious moisture, and ensures OSR gets the best possible start.
Early graminicide helps clear volunteers quickly, and Astrokerb forms the backbone of their weed control programme. Dyson’s establishment method reflects a broader principle: everything is geared toward maximising conditions for the young crop.
Genetics, Drainage, and Detail
Good varieties are another pillar of Dyson’s OSR strategy. “We invest in strong genetics – that vigour is crucial,” says Ben. This season’s lineup includes Maverick and LG Avenger, both of which are impressing.
“Avenger has really stood out. It went in quite late – 14th September – but you’d never know. I wasn’t aware of its CSFB resilience when we bought it, but the vigour has been very noticeable both in autumn and again this spring. The crop looks in fantastic condition.”
A significant part of their success also comes down to drainage. Dyson Farming has made long-term investments in land management, including mole draining ahead of OSR. Good drainage is essential for crop consistency and performance, especially on the heavier land types where moisture management can make or break establishment.
“The later drill date has made a real difference, but it’s not just that, you’ve got to look at the whole system – vigour, drainage, rotation, and soil movement. It all matters.”
Resilience and Results
The move to later drilling which now starts in September, is a deliberate tactic to avoid peak cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) pressure. “The later drill date has made a real difference, but it’s not just that,” Ben says. “You’ve got to look at the whole system – vigour, drainage, rotation, and soil movement. It all matters.”
Their best year so far was 2022, where yields hit 6 tonnes per hectare; a result Ben credits to an excellent season of sunshine and everything falling into place.
The Bigger Picture
Beyond yield and break crop value, OSR also allows Dyson Farming to make use of their own digestate – a sustainability win that fits into the wider business model. And for growers still unsure about OSR’s place in modern rotations, Ben offers a measured, practical perspective:
“It really depends on people’s attitude to risk. There are a lot of variables – markets, genetics, CSFB – but if you establish the crop well with a strong variety and manage it carefully, you’ve got every likelihood of success. It’s all about attention to detail – you get out what you put in.”
“It really depends on people’s attitude to risk, but if you establish the crop well with a strong variety and manage it carefully, you’ve got every likelihood of success. It’s all about attention to detail – you get out what you put in.”
Other bits you may be interested in...
Buckwheat Special Offer
Buckwheat is a fantastic companion crop for OSR providing early ground cover, surpressing weeds and supporting soil health without competing for resources later in the season. Check out the offer...
The OSR Portfolio
If you're looking for oilseed rape seed, look no further. United Oilseeds have an exemplary portfolio again this year including top varieties Maverick and Adapt and the long awaited CSFB resilient AVENGER!
Catch up on the OSR Reboot
This past year United Oilseeds has championed the OSR Reboot, aiming to change the fortunes of OSR production in the UK. Visit the dedicated OSR Reboot web page or download below...