James Armstrong

Lincolnshire farmer Jimmy Armstrong is trialling KWS Aintree, the highest-yielding wheat on this year’s RL. Developed with input from his son James, KWS Assistant wheat breeder, they share insights on the variety and Jimmy’s experience. Follow its progress to harvest.

Last week we caught up with father & son, James Armstrong, Assistant Wheat Breeder at KWS, and Lincs farmer Jimmy Armstrong. Jimmy is trialling new feed wheat KWS Aintree, topping the Recommended List at 110% yield. Drilled after sugar beet, we’ll follow the crop over the season.

As we reach the close of what has been another challenging year for agriculture, there has never been a more important time to recognise the vital role of British food production. Farming and agriculture remain the backbone of the UK’s food supply, essential not only for feeding the nation, but also for supporting jobs, protecting the environment, strengthening the rural economy, and preserving the landscapes we all cherish. At KWS, as we gather around the table this Christmas, we’ll be taking a moment to appreciate the journey of the food on our plates. One farmer feeds 150 people - at Christmas and all year round. From everyone at KWS, Merry Christmas. #YourSeedPartner

Another year, another rotation around the perfect tree 🌳 #wheatbreeding

🌾 KWS Dawsum being combined on Scotgrove Farm in Bardney, Lincs. This field was a mix of blow-away sand and heavy boulder clay — the Dawsum performed extremely well considering the tough year we've had, doing just over 11t/ha. It's great to see results like this, as they highlight Dawsum’s reliable performance across seasons and shows why it remains a top choice on the farm.✅

@OOOfarmer Blimey, dreading doing selections in the field this year!

2024 vs 2025

Great news for UK wheat growers!🌾UK Flour Millers has announced that KWS Vibe is confirmed as a full UKFM Group 1 variety, upgrading its provisional rating from 2024. 👏 It offers high protein, strong disease resistance, and top breadmaking quality. 👉 ow.ly/aJH050Vrl8X

Delighted to see 8 of our wheat varieties added to this year’s RL with at least one in every quality group! 🌾

Spring wheat breeding nursery going in, could only dream of conditions like this a month ago! 🚜💨🌾

@nhojymiles @KWSUKLtd @KWS_Group Ideal viewing platform to see Dodds freeze on the back of the plant row drill 😉

@james_legweak @KWSUKLtd @KWS_Group You’re not hiding in the cab are you Jimmy?

There are 2 drills somewhere amongst the fog! Foot down Friday in the @KWSUKLtd wheat breeding nursery 🚜💨🌾 #plantbreeding

@mays_farm @KWSUKLtd @KWS_Group Blimey must be a proper pea soup! Excellent, hope it goes in well🤞

@james_legweak @KWSUKLtd @KWS_Group Compared to down here today that is clear and sunny! 🤞I’ll get your PB Aintree in later!

Reposting after a couple of weeks to add a closing date of 23/6/2024. We are looking for somebody to operate machinery but also to help with other aspects of a diverse regenerative, nature-friendly farm. Applications from all walks of life are warmly received. More info in reply:

@dr_andy_wilcox @dines_louisa @HarperAdamsUni @AgrovistaUK @KWSUKLtd He is the breeder!

@dines_louisa @HarperAdamsUni @AgrovistaUK @KWSUKLtd That looks like Mr Simon Allen in the hi-vis in the background!

Great first day of our @HarperAdamsUni final year road trip to the East visiting @AgrovistaUK and @KWSUKLtd

@dines_louisa @HarperAdamsUni @AgrovistaUK @KWSUKLtd Hope you all enjoyed it, looking forward to seeing who might want to consider a job as a plant breeder when I check the crossing results tomorrow 😉

Always a pleasure to give talks like this, enjoy the Cambridge night life Jim!

Always a great event to watch! 🚜💨🎄 justgiving.com/campaign/xmast…

@AndyChen_Wheat @Limagrain @canterraseeds Congratulations Andy, very well deserved!

I AM BACK! Just moved to Saskatoon to join @Limagrain as a wheat breeder. Excited to take on this new challenge. With @canterraseeds, we will deliver superior wheat cultivars that can meet the needs of the farmers in Western Canada and the Northern Plain

*JOB OPPORTUNITY* 15-month Agricultural Placement commencing from July '24. You will gain an insight into a successful plant breeding company through a bespoke, extensive training programm.🌱 To find out more or apply, click here 👉ow.ly/4unF50PWZRa