From seed to insight: behind the scenes of Frontier’s trial plots
Every recommendation we make starts with evidence. Before a variety reaches a farm, before a treatment earns its place in a programme and before agronomic advice is shared with growers, it has often been through years of rigorous testing in Frontier trials.
This autumn, as our drilling window closes across our trial sites, we're taking a look behind the scenes at what it takes to establish the plots that help shape future farming decisions.
More than just a few plots
Each year, Frontier's trials programme includes approximately 8,500 plots across the country. While the core drilling programme takes place at three dedicated trial sites, this sits within a wider network of 16 trial and demonstration sites, alongside additional specialist locations focused on specific weeds, pests and diseases.
These sites provide the foundation for testing new varieties, seed treatments and crop protection solutions, helping us build the robust data needed to support growers with confidence.
Choosing the right site
A successful trial starts long before the drill enters the field.
The most important factor is a strong, long-term relationship with the host grower. Many of our trial sites are hosted by farmers we work with year after year, allowing us to build trusted partnerships and generate consistent, reliable data over time.
Land selection is equally important. An ideal trial site will have a consistent soil type across the field, ensuring that differences in crop performance are driven by the treatments or varieties being tested rather than changes in field conditions. Support from the local farming community also plays an important role, helping to create opportunities for knowledge sharing and on-farm discussions throughout the season.
Preparing for drilling
The aim of any trial is to reflect commercial farming conditions as closely as possible.
Primary cultivations are typically carried out by the host grower using their standard machinery and cultivation system. The Frontier trials team then completes the secondary cultivations required to create a suitable seedbed for drilling.
The process looks very similar to what many growers will be doing themselves. The difference is the level of precision required to ensure every plot starts as evenly as possible.
Seedbed quality is particularly important. Even establishment allows the team to identify subtle differences between varieties, treatments or products, ensuring the resulting data is both accurate and meaningful.
Precision drilling in practice
Unlike a conventional farm drill, Frontier uses a specialist plot drill designed specifically for trials work.
Each plot is carefully planned before drilling begins. Seed for every individual plot is weighed and packaged separately before being arranged according to the trial plan. These packets are then loaded into the drill in a carefully managed sequence.
Mounted on a tractor and guided by highly accurate GPS technology, the drill places each plot precisely where it needs to be, keeping plots perfectly aligned across the site.
Alongside drilling, detailed records are kept of everything that happens in the field. Any issue, inconsistency or unexpected event is noted immediately. While some problems may not become visible until crop emergence, these records ensure any affected plots can be identified and, if necessary, excluded from final analysis.
Where does the seed come from?
Where possible, seed is sourced through the seed treatment lines at Frontier's Cranswick facility. Additional varieties are supplied directly by seed breeders, while some breeder-hosted trials arrive pre-packaged and ready for drilling.
The varieties selected depend on the purpose of the trial. At Haywold, Frontier hosts the AHDB Recommended List trials for wheat and barley. Elsewhere, the Frontier Seed team works closely with breeders and technical specialists to determine which established and emerging candidate varieties should be assessed.
The focus is always on generating relevant information for growers, balancing current commercial favourites with promising new material coming through the pipeline.
Looking beyond emergence
Trial planning takes place almost year-round, with autumn and spring programmes overlapping throughout the season. Individual trials are often planned several months before drilling begins.
Once crops emerge, the first assessments focus on:
Even emergence across plots
Plant population and establishment
Early crop vigour
Any signs of phytotoxicity following residual herbicide applications
As the season progresses, assessment frequency varies depending on the objective of each trial. Some projects may only require a handful of assessments, while others involve multiple observations before final harvest measurements for yield and quality.
Outside of formal assessments, plots are monitored regularly to ensure nothing compromises the integrity of the trial.
The technology behind better decisions
Modern trials increasingly benefit from advances in technology.
One area where Frontier continues to invest is disease prediction. By combining weather monitoring with in-field sampling, the team is continually developing its understanding of disease pressure and how it impacts crop performance throughout the season.
These insights help strengthen recommendations and support more informed decision-making in the field.
Why trials matter to growers
For growers, the value of trials comes down to confidence.
Trials allow Frontier agronomists, farm traders and crop specialists to share recommendations backed by first-hand experience. The team understand how products perform in real-world situations, identifying not just where they work well, but also where limitations exist. That deeper understanding helps shape the most effective recommendations for growers.
The ability to stand in a field and directly compare more than 30 wheat or barley varieties side by side is invaluable when making variety selection decisions.
Ultimately, trials help turn observations into evidence, and evidence into practical advice.
27/10/2026
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