FAQ - Oats

Below you will find some frequently asked questions on oats. We hope you find the answer to your query. If you need further information please email us or call us on 01223 890777.

What are naked oats?

Naked oats are oats which thrash free from their husks at combining. Invariably they are high in oil and protein. It is this nutrient density which delivers their added value. This is the driver for their inclusion in poultry and pig rations.

How do naked oat varieties compare to conventional oats in terms of yield/agronomy?

Normally naked oat yields are around 20-25% lower than husked oats. Most premiums do, however, more than compensate for this. Naked oat husbandry is similar to that for husked but they will require more careful combining. For oat agronomy visit our husked agronomy and naked agronomy pages.

How can a Scottish farmer get hold of a naked oat contract?

To date the markets have been based further south. However, as the market increases we expect the geographical locations to expand further north. Contact us for the up to date position.

Can I buy naked oats to feed to my chickens/pigs?

Currently all naked oats are supplied on buy-back contracts. However for integrated units we can consider supply on an individual basis. Contact us for details.

What premium markets are there for oats? How can i secure a buy-back contract?

The potential health benefits of oats are widely known and products containing the crop are becoming increasingly popular and new added value markets are developing. There is increased interest from the poultry sector in naked oats. Hence the crop attracts a premium and can be grown on buy-back contracts. Contact us for details on 01223 890777.

Why have naked oats been sold on a closed loop contract?

As a premium and niche crop this was a deliberate strategy in order to protect those who were exploring the grain's potential in unproven markets. Contracts offer both security to the grower and developer, thereby reducing the risk to both.

Will naked oats become more readily available and outside contracts?

With the new Link project (Quoats) and new market opportunities, new approaches, alliances and partnerships will emerge.

What quality traits of oats would give me added value?

To meet contract specifications oats must have good kernel content and specific weights. It is therefore important to choose the best varieties for your needs. Naked oats command a premium, as do high oil oats and high beta-glucan types. Interestingly, in Sweden farmers frequently found an economical value in burning oats to replace oil, where 2.5kg has a calorific equivalent of 1 litre of oil.

What is the latest date I can sow winter varieties?

From limited experience we would suggest for conventional varieties that many varieties have been successfully sown up until the second week of March but this is at the grower’s risk. We are currently carrying out trials to improve our knowledge on this. Any grower feedback on late oat sowings is always appreciated. Email us at

I have been growing Gerald for yeas. Should I be thinking of growing a new variety?

Gerald remains the number one UK oat and is still very popular with the millers.If Gerald suits your farm and you are happy with it then why change? The oat market is traditionally very conventional but there are new varieties coming to the market with different improved qualities. Mascani has excellent quality and is now increasing its market share. Balado is new to the market but with yields 9% ahead of Gerald, short, stiff straw and a high kernel content, this variety should be one to consider now.

With Take All resistance are oats a break crop?

Yes, and with low inputs, increasing the spread of harvest and being an easy fit into most arable rotations, oats should find a place.

I like oats but have increased annual grass problems, particularly blackgrass. What products can I use?

In the cereal basket oat remain a minor crop, but encouragingly company specialists such as Masstock and DuPont are aware of the problem and have been undertaking intensive trials on blackgrass control. Findings will be interesting.

What is the value of oat straw?

Oat straw is recognised to be of higher value than wheat or barley. Growers are advised to seek out their local market preferences as well as discussing with specialist buyers (eg Dengie Group) who could offer take-away contracts.

Why have Senova moved to Royalty Area Collection (RAC) on new varieties?

In simple terms this is a business strategy. Oats are no less costly to breed than any other cereal. This approach, we believe, provides greater transparency to the royalty rates and to their relationship to the value being delivered by the genetics. Older varieties will continue to be marketed in the traditional way. Further details can be found on the RAC page.

I have harvested naked oats and find the hairs to be a real pain. What can I do?

They can be a problem. Care at combining, applying talcum powder to exposed skin or wearing protective clothing wil reduce itchiness. We are hoping to address the problem with genetic advances in new varieties.

Which disease do I need to be particularly concerned about in oats?

Whilst mildew may be the most common disease it generally does not have an economic impact. Crown rust is increasingly prevalent and is a yield robber. Perhaps the most important problem to avoid could be Oat Mosaic Virus OMV. Avoid growing oats too close together.

How hardy are winter oats?

This is difficult to answer but the harsh winter of 2010 saw little damage. Oats are however one of the softer cereals so much will depend on the state of the crop and the variability in temperature against the growth stage. In recent years the high performance of winter oats versus spring oats has seen the crop successfully extend northward, where the yield advances and easier harvest are appreciated.

I have a small mixed farm and like oats but find a lack of nutrient information. Where should I go?

Hopefully useful information will emerge from the new Link project on oats, Quoats. www.quoats.org. Companies like I'Anson have nutritional information for pigs and horses. EBLEX and British Poultry Council may also be useful contacts.

Can Moddus be used safely on winter oats?

Yes it should be, but follow carefully the maunfacturers guidelines, especially the deadline for application. Apply by GS31 to reduce risk of damage (scorching and stunting). A few growers have reported damage (particularly on Mascani) where spray overlap has occurred. Help to reduce this by using a slightly lower rate. Consult your agronomist for more detailed information on chemicals.

naked agronomy

husked agronomy

Senova Ltd, 49 North Road, Great Abington, Cambridge CB21 6AS Tel: +44 (0)1223 890777, Fax: +44 (0)1223 890666 Email: info@senova.uk.com

info@senova.uk.com

RAC

OMV

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