United KIngdom
July 1, 2026
Following its launch at Cereals 2026, Chessum is attracting interest from growers looking for a winter wheat that delivers strong performance alongside improved nitrogen efficiency. As pressure grows to optimise margins and reduce inputs, Chessum offers an attractive combination of high Nitrogen Use Efficiency (NUE), grain quality and reliable agronomics.
It combines a strong disease profile, including resistance to yellow rust and septoria, and premium potential with early miller backing, including acceptance by Heygates and growing interest across the trade.
Chessum has already attracted attention from farmers looking to maintain protein and performance while managing input costs more carefully.
Lincolnshire grower Colin Chappell, who is growing Chessum, says the variety fits closely with his approach to crop management.
“Chessum follows my crop-growing ethos,” he says. “I don’t like to feed my crops with a lot of nitrogen and, like Nelson winter wheat, you can put in lower amounts of N and still get a usable crop in terms of protein.”
Gemma Clarke from COPE says the launch reflects increasing demand from growers for varieties that deliver both agronomic and economic performance.
“Growers are scrutinising every input much more carefully, particularly nitrogen,” she says. “Chessum is a variety that offers strong all-round performance while fitting into a more efficient approach to crop management. That balance is becoming increasingly valuable.”
With over 85 years’ experience, COPE brings pioneering varieties to the market, with a focus on clean, low input and organic varieties suited to modern rotations – including Merlin spring oats, Nelson winter wheat, Everlong spring wheat, Evelina spring barley and more.
Chessum is a COPE exclusive variety introduced to the UK, sourced from renowned French breeder, Lamaire Deffontaines.
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