Hampshire grower Simon Budden has scooped the top prize in a prestigious milling wheat quality competition, with a strategy based on timely input applications, aided by favourable weather.
Simon, who manages the Netherley Farm Partnership in Waterlooville, won gold with his crop of Crusoe winter wheat which yielded 11.98t/ha and a grain protein content of 13% in the Yield Enhancement Network (YEN) milling wheat quality challenge.
The judges said his entry showed excellent grain analytical quality, good dough quality and an exceptional baked loaf, with white breadcrumb colour and texture.
Simon said: “In the last few years we’ve invested a lot of money in the farm, including a state-of-the-art grain store, so it’s great to see our efforts recognised in such a prestigious competition.”
The awards, sponsored by UK Flour Millers were presented at the AHDB milling wheat conference on Thursday, with second prize going to Essex grower James Mayes of Bentfield Bury Farms, and third to James Loder-Symonds of Nonington Farms, Kent.
