LG Challenger: A new challenger in the feed wheat space

Strong yields

LG Challenger is a Hard Group 4 winter wheat that stands out for its impressive treated yield potential of 107% for the UK, with particularly strong performance in the north, where it reaches 109%*. This makes it the joint highest yielding Hard Group 4 variety in the northern regions.

Its untreated yield is not one to be overlooked with a notable score of 93%. This places it 3% higher than KWS Extase, which has long been viewed as a benchmark for disease resistance. 

A well-rounded agronomic package

Alongside its yield potential, LG Challenger brings a reliable agronomic profile. 

It offers a solid disease resistance package, including scores of 7 for both mildew and yellow rust, as well as resistance to orange wheat blossom midge. In a season where yellow rust pressure has been evident across many crops, this good resistance score should provide confidence to growers. 

LG Challenger also delivers on grain quality, offering an excellent specific weight of 78.6kg/hl and, for a feed variety, a comparatively high Hagberg falling number. 

It is perfectly suited to the main drilling window from mid-September through to mid-November and at a +1 for maturity, shouldn't cause any issues at harvest. 

Market opportunities

As a hard group 4 variety, LG Challenger is well suited to the feed wheat market.  

Its high yield potential, bold grain and good specific weight make it a reliable option for most domestic feed markets.  

The variety’s taller straw and good lodging resistance will also appeal to mixed farmers looking to maximise straw production alongside grain yield. 

How is it looking in our trials?

We are really pleased with how the variety is looking at present. It has come through the winter well and is perfectly placed to start pushing on through spring. LG Challenger has looked to performed best in the north over the last couple of years and this is what shaped our decision to add the variety to our hard feed portfolio this year.