Rob Holmes

I have a 2001 ES and it's a solid, simple machine.
Its in its 13th year and although showing its age now, hs been a very reliable machine, and not needed much doing to it.
The tracking drawbar does need tightening now and again, and the friction plates need replacing every season or so but it's not difficult nor expensive

We grew this couple of years ago as a 2nd wheat, it looked good all season.

Yielded reasonably well, around 3 t/acre and we also got milling premium on it (which was a bonus as it was managed a a feed wheat)

We grew this for 2 seasons about 2 years ago in 2nd wheat slot.

Never looked as good as other varieties whilst growing, very wispy, grass looking leaves.

We could not get it to yield either, averaging 2.5t/acre whilst other 2nd wheats were averaging 3-3.5t/acre.

I've heard from others that people either love it or hate it, i'm afraid i fall into the latter category.

Last year was the first time we grew this and although slower than other hybrids it grew well in spring.
When it can to harvesting, this was the highest yielding variety with the highest oil content, trailers were weighing over 0.5t heavier with Compass due to oil.

Every acre stood and the combine driver said it was a pleasure to harvest.

Unfortunately this year, this variety has been hit hard by pigeons and slugs, but id' still be happy to put a good proportion in next year

Grown Expower for 3 years now, and consistently averages 4.5 t/ha but can get a bit of a monster if too much N is applied at wrong time.

This year, although crops have struggled, and we have lost a fair area of other varieties, the Expower is still here and hopefully take off when it warms up

Grew this on recommendation of grain traders who like the protein content.

Looked very, very well whilst growing but when it came to harvesting... Oh dear! It would not die after Glyphosate and after being left for several weeks afterward (Late Sept) we could not get the moisture below 17%.

When we did get the combine in, it would not thrash nicely and made a dirty sample

Maybe i'm being unfair as last year was a nightmare but other varieties on the farm weren't a problem, and won't be growing it again

We grew a small area last year and it was the highest yielding variety on the farm, average specific weights.

Slow growing and thin looking in autumn/winter but when it warms up it flies out of the ground and thickens up quickly.

Overall, good disease but weak on yellow rust, not as bad as Oakley though

Been growing this for 4 years now and very pleased with it, not the highest yielder on the farm but not far off it though.

We've used it an all situations, 1st,2nd and 3rd wheats, early (ish) and late drilled slots and performs very well in all conditions.

Last year it had the highest Specific Weights and had the highest average yield over all varieties.

Good disease profile and no particular problems with rust, etc.

A very good all-rounder that won't let you down