Latest News

Winter Linseed is a crop many growers still view through the lens of the past. But for those growing it today, the reality is often very different.
Kent farm manager and Fieldsports Channel presenter Andy Crowe has been growing Winter Linseed as part of his rotation, and his experience reflects how the crop has evolved in recent years.

▶️ Watch: What It's Like To Grow Winter Linseed with Andy Crowe

Hear Andy Crowe talk through his experience growing Winter Linseed, from establishment through to harvest and rotation fit.

Low Inputs
One of the first things Andy highlights is the crop’s relatively low input requirement.
With nitrogen remaining a major cost on farm, Winter Linseed’s lower requirement compared to crops like Oilseed Rape helps reduce exposure to input price volatility. For many growers, that makes it easier to plan and manage upfront costs.

Strong Margins
Alongside lower inputs, Andy points to the crop’s margin potential, balancing input costs, reliability and output. In the right system, this combination allows Winter Linseed to compare well against other autumn break crop options.

Agronomy
A key theme from Andy’s experience is how much agronomy has moved on.
Support from Premium Crops agronomist Alex Bull has helped apply crop‑specific knowledge in the field, ensuring decisions around establishment, crop management and timing are consistent and repeatable.
Today, Winter Linseed is no longer an unknown. Agronomy is clearly defined but as always, it needs to be applied well to deliver consistent results.

Chemistry Options
Another point Andy raises is the range of herbicide and fungicide options now available.
Compared to the early years of Winter Linseed, growers now have a stronger chemistry toolbox to manage weeds and disease. This gives more flexibility and confidence during the growing season, contributing to a more predictable outcome.

A Crop That Looks the Part
Beyond the technical and economic factors, Andy also notes something more visual, that Winter Linseed is an attractive crop in the field.

At flowering, the crop brings colour and structure to the rotation. While not a deciding factor on its own, it reflects the broader point: this is a well‑performing, established crop, not a marginal or experimental option.

A Practical Break Crop Option
Taken together, Andy’s experience highlights a consistent theme.
Winter Linseed today offers:

• Lower input exposure
• Competitive margins
• Clear, well‑understood agronomy
• Greater management flexibility
• A practical fit within modern rotations

For growers reassessing their break crop options, it is these combined factors, rather than any single headline claim, that are driving renewed interest.

It's Not Just Andy

We took the time to ask some other growers how they were getting on with Winter Linseed.

Find out more
To discuss how Winter Linseed could fit into your rotation, contact Premium Crops on 02392 632883.