The RL: new varieties offer resilience and opportunity for 2026

Some of the new varieties coming through combine progressive yield potential with stronger genetics, supporting growers to reduce risk and build greater resilience into the rotation. Thanks to enhanced pest and disease resistance, these crops are better equipped to withstand the pressures often created by extreme weather events, while yield progression remains key to maximising output and margin without compromising market opportunities.

In this blog, we’re taking a closer look at a group of standout varieties across oilseed rape, winter wheat and barley which we think offer exciting potential for next season’s cropping plans.

Oilseed rape: high-yielding hybrids with strong agronomic traits

In this sector, two new hybrid additions stand out for their ability to balance high yield potential with valuable traits for strong stem health, turnip yellow virus (TuYV) and pod shatter resistance.

Dompteur (DSV)

• Top performer as a new addition; this variety showed itself to be the highest-yielding winter oilseed rape on the 2026/27 RL across the east, west and north regions in the UK.

• Very high gross output seen over three contrasting seasons, with consistently high oil content.

• Key traits including TuYV resistance, pod shatter resistance and the RLM7 gene, plus strong disease resistance for light leaf spot (LLS) and stem canker (twin ‘8’ ratings).

Karat (NPZ)

• Added to the 2026/27 RL just behind Dompteur for yield, performing particularly well in the North.

• Introduces the new RLM12 trait as a fresh source of resistance in the genetic toolbox, offering robust resistance against Leptosphaeria maculans, the pathogen behind phoma stem canker

• Other strengths include TuYV resistance, RLMS genes, stiff straw, good lodging resistance and added verticillium tolerance.

• Taller type but well-suited for strong stem health and disease resilience.

Both of these varieties are already in the ground for some growers under Frontier’s OSR de-risking partnership.

Winter wheat: yield meets disease resistance

There are some new additions across different end-use groups which promise improved performance and flexibility, with three really making their mark:

Arlington (DSV) – Group 1 milling wheat

• A third year for a new addition into the Group 1 sector, Arlington combines high yield potential across the regions with improvements in resistance to Septoria (7.0) and orange wheat blossom midge (OWBM).

• A Skyfall cross, this variety offers similar grain quality and breadmaking potential (confirmation due March 2026) but with improved disease resistance and the second-highest untreated yield on the RL (94% treated controls).

• Arlington’s growth habit also appears similar to Skyfall, with relatively fast autumn development and strong tillering.

• A wide drilling window and strong second wheat performance thanks to the PCH1 gene for eyespot resistance make this an attractive option for milling wheat growers.

Sparkler (Elsoms) – Group 4 soft wheat

• Highest-yielding soft wheat on the new RL.

• When it comes to regional benefits, in the East this variety has demonstrated high yield potential combined with a good combination of Septoria (7.2) and yellow rust resistance. The picture in the West is similar, as well as high tiller numbers and good straw. In the North this variety was noted for its alcohol output per hectare – rated high for yield potential but also for distilling.

• Sparkler also performs well across different soil types and rotational positions - think Graham with high yields and better Septoria resistance.

LG Defiance (Limagrain) – Group 4 hard wheat

• This variety offers a great balance of yield potential and disease resistance – an excellent risk management tool on-farm.

• Takes the mantle from on-farm favourite KWS Extase as the highest untreated yield on the 2026 RL (95% treated controls).

• The variety is backed by a strong disease resistance package: mildew (7), yellow rust (8), Septoria (6.3), eyespot (5), Fusarium (7), plus OWBM.

• Gets out of the gates early and is ideal for October drilling, so it especially useful for growers looking for decent options to follow root crops or maize.

• Yield-wise, LG Defiance offers a step up from current on-farm favourites like Champion and has the highest potential of all new additions.

Winter barley: hybrid performance reaches new heights

There are few changes in malting and 2-row feed options this season, and any new additions have often come with barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) tolerance built in.

In 2025, hybrids continued to impress thanks to their longer straw and deeper rooting, so it’s encouraging to see even more options for growers in 2026. Of note in particular:

SY Barnabus – 6-row feed barley

• This variety is bringing next-level hybrid yield at 108% for the UK, with the highest untreated yield (93% treated controls) and high specific weight (71.3kg/hl).

• SY Barnabus also boasted the highest yield potential across the regions with all the usual hybrid benefits: better rooting, grassweed suppression, and greater overall resilience under challenging conditions.

Why are these varieties worth considering?

The 2026 RL additions highlighted here represent more than just incremental improvements – it’s great to see strategic advancements offering growers the chance to improve risk management on farm, optimise yield and maintain market flexibility in an increasingly volatile environment.

With stronger genetics and innovative traits, we’re pleased to see some new varieties that are well-positioned to help growers tackle some of the current challenges to production and make the most of new market opportunities.

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To discuss more about the performance and availability of these RL additions with a trusted advisor, you can meet your local Frontier team at one of our upcoming winter meetings: www.frontierag.co.uk/events.

Alternatively, you can get in touch directly by emailing info@frontierag.co.uk or by calling 0800 227 445.