Making the cut: Germinal Horizon Aberystwyth chosen as national trials operator 

After a competitive selection process, Germinal Horizon Aberystwyth (GHA) will become a national trials operator for the Recommended Grass and Clover Lists (RGCL) for England and Wales. 

Chosen by the National Institute of Agricultural Botany (NIAB), GHA will assess forage crop varieties for inclusion on the RGCL, an important resource for grassland farmers looking for progressive performance. Varieties must demonstrate a clear improvement over existing ones to be added to the RGCL, pushing the standard of forage production higher.  

Researchers from Germinal Horizon and IBERS have developed many of the leading grass and clover varieties used by UK and Irish grassland farmers. These include the award-winning Aber High Sugar Grasses, world-first DoubleRoot hybrid clovers, and RedRunner, a stoloniferous red clover currently undergoing trials in project NUE-Leg – find out more. 

Commenting on the selection, Paul Billings, Managing Director of Germinal UK & Ireland, said: “As a breeder of grass, clover and other crop species, our research work is fundamental to what we do and our ability to support ruminant livestock farmers, helping them compete and farm in a climate smart way.  

“This demands that we support and develop our research teams and give them the tools they need to make a difference, which we are committed to and delighted to do. 

“Furthermore, we are very pleased with the selection of Germinal Horizon Aberystwyth as trials operators for varietal testing of grass and clover varieties for inclusion in the England and Wales recommended list. 

“I also believe that this is a fitting recognition of the work and commitment of our trial teams and scientists at Germinal Horizon to the future of farming and sustainable food production.” 

Left: Paul Billings; Right: David Lloyd, Head of Plant Breeding, Germinal Horizon

Real-time forage analysis technology 

Germinal Horizon has acquired a unique piece of research equipment. The Haldrup F-55 forage harvester is a £250,000 investment designed specifically for field trials. 

On-board the F-55 is NIR spectrometry generating instant feedback on the quality and composition of trial plots as they are harvested. 

The technology enables real-time sampling of key nutritional and quality parameters, including protein, fibre, and carbohydrate/sugar content. This research data is vital for measuring and developing new forage varieties. 

Germinal Horizon: Forage pioneers 

We also continue our commitment to research and plant breeding innovation with new investments in research talent. Germinal Horizon Aberystwyth has recruited new research scientists and technicians bringing the full R&D team of clover and grass breeding specialists to 18.  

In our landmark 200th anniversary year, Germinal’s science-focused strategy drives our investment in forage expertise for the future to support sustainable and resilient food production. 

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