Top Tips For Establishing Oilseed Rape – And How We Can Support You
Prioritise Your Seedbed
A well-prepared seedbed is the foundation of successful OSR establishment. Drilling into a dry seedbed risks poor crop performance right from the start. Ensuring good moisture and soil conditions is key to strong emergence.
Take the Pressure Off with ADM’s Sale or Return Scheme
Weather uncertainty can make drilling decisions stressful. Our sale or return scheme* gives you the flexibility to have seed on farm without committing until you’re ready to drill. It’s designed to help you manage risk and optimise timing.
Manage CSFB Risk with Smart Drilling Time
Cabbage stem flea beetle (CSFB) remains a significant threat. To reduce risk:
- Drill early (late July) to encourage strong crop growth before pest pressure builds — but be aware of other risks this timing may bring.
- Drill later (mid-September) so crops emerge after the peak CSFB migration period.
Choose the Right Variety for Your Drilling Window
Varietal choice is critical. Our OSR portfolio is carefully selected to perform well across different drilling timings and agronomic conditions. For later drilling, a vigorous hybrid is essential to ensure successful establishment.
Benefit from up to £100 per pack rebate* if your crop fails to establish.
We offer a range of top-performing OSR varieties on establishment schemes, designed to help support you when conditions are at their most difficult.
There’s no quick fix for perfect OSR establishment — but by focusing on seedbed quality, drilling timing, variety choice, and using ADM’s schemes, you can set your crop up for success. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
*Only available on selected varieties. Full terms and conditions apply.
MATIF Oilseed Rape/Wheat Spread
As of July 1st, MATIF Oilseed Rape futures (Nov) are trading at 234% of MATIF Wheat futures (Dec) which is the second highest they have been for this time of year ever! The all time average for this ratio is 205% and the average for this time of year is 209%. This shows that rapeseed is more positively weighted to give a higher gross margin than we would usually expect.
OSR Market
The OSR market is one of the most volatile agricultural markets we deal with due to a number of factors, though even with higher than average volatility, prices have been slowly moving higher since reaching a bottom in May 2023.
This year we have a comfortable S&D in Europe, though with an ever changing global veg oil landscape there is potential for this to change, especially considering that China is set to have record low imports.
OSR is Unique among break crops in its marketability – you can get an OSR price any time, every day!
Rethink The Drill: How To Make Your OSR Count From Day One
Whether your oilseed rape thrives or fails this autumn will come down to one thing: how you start it. Establishment pressures are intensifying — from slug and flea beetle pressure to dry seedbeds and shrinking drilling windows. Now more than ever, OSR only gets one real shot.
Option 1: Do Nothing – Drill and Hope
Some growers opt to skip starter fertiliser, planning to redrill if the crop fails. But this year, that’s a high-risk strategy.
OSR is offering some of the strongest gross margin potential on farm in 2025.
Why take the gamble?
- Weak emergence and poor rooting leave crops exposed to pests and competition
- Lost time and lost seedbed if re-drilling are needed
- Missed opportunity in a year where OSR could pay well
Option 2: DAP Down the Spout
It’s long been the standard, but this season raises tough questions.
- DAP is sitting in the mid £600s, marking the worst affordability in over 25 years
- Typical rates (125kg/ha) now cost over £80/ha
- Lacks the precision, micronutrients and support that modern OSR establishment demands
Option 3: Physiostart — A Smarter Start
Physiostart offers a more effective and cost-conscious alternative.
At £74/ha (25kg/ha), this microgranular starter fertiliser delivers:
- Readily available N, P, S, and Zn
- PhysioPro biostimulant technology to drive rooting and nutrient uptake
- Improved canopy development and GAI
- And critically: UK growers have seen 95% germination within 10 days post-drilling
Proven Returns
Oxfordshire trial data (2024):
- Control (no starter): 3.2 t/ha
- Physiostart: 3.7 t/ha
- +0.5 t/ha uplift = £222.50/ha return at £445/t
Physiostart offers targeted nutrition, proven ROI, and a better start for your OSR. If you’re drilling OSR this autumn, now’s the time to plan the inputs that secure success from the start.
For more information, trial results, or advice, speak to your ADM Farm Trader today.
Companion Cropping
Companion cropping oilseed rape offers a wide range of benefits to the crop. This approach not only mitigates flea beetle pressure but also enhances soil health by increasing organic matter. At ADM Agriculture, we offer a range of carefully formulated mixes specifically designed to support oilseed rape establishment. These include species such as buckwheat, berseem clover, and fenugreek, each bringing unique benefits like nitrogen fixation, organic matter return, and natural pest suppression to help combat challenges such as flea beetle damage. With rising pest pressures and the availability of SFI incentives, companion cropping is becoming an increasingly popular choice.
Get in touch with our seed team or your farm trader to learn more.
Summary
As we move into the season, crop establishment, market trends, smarter fertiliser planning, and companion cropping strategies will be essential in giving your OSR the best possible start. With increasing pressures from pests, evolving input costs, and shifting support schemes, taking a thoughtful and informed approach can make a real difference. Whether you’re trialling new techniques or refining proven ones, staying proactive now will help set your crop, and your business up for a more resilient and successful season ahead.
