Oats are a traditional crop of Belarusian fields. In 2025, nearly 150,000 hectares were allocated for this crop, with almost all of it planted using domestic seeds. Each year, the country produces hundreds of thousands of tonnes of grain: some is used for oatmeal production, while a large portion serves as high-quality feed for livestock farms.

To boost yields and preserve grain quality, scientists regularly update the range of varieties. «Modern varieties can yield 3 to 17 percent more per hectare compared to ‘older’ varieties that have been grown for over a decade. A new variety for 2026, already listed on the state register of varieties for all regions of the country, is the spring oat variety Metr,» the press service noted.

This high-yield variety responds very well to proper care and modern farming techniques (with a potential yield of up to 8.9 tonnes per hectare).

A key characteristic of this new variety is its short stalks, which grow no taller than one metre. The oat is highly resistant to lodging, meaning it does not topple over due to strong winds or heavy rain, ensuring the crop remains intact and easy to harvest with combines. The Metr variety also has broad resistance to leaf diseases, making it less vulnerable to common illnesses. This reduces the need for excessive chemical treatments, resulting in a more environmentally friendly product.

This variety is versatile, suitable for both food and fodder uses. Its grain contains a high protein content (up to 14.4 percent) and elevated oil content (up to 5.1 percent). For livestock farming, this means a more nutritious diet, which leads to increased milk production and weight gain.