His previous record of 15.36t/ha was set three years ago was with the Savannah variety on his farm near Gore.

Mr Solari said the biggest factor in the high yield was the Southland climate. ``Southland’s climate has allowed us to do it twice. We get sufficient rain and the right amount of sunshine, giving a long, slow grain-filling period.

``I work very closely with Graham Jones of PGG Wrightson and accept his advice. It really is a team effort. Without the advice and interest they show in the crop it wouldn’t have happened.’’

He said the top crop realised the potential of the soils he was on.

A tussle for the world wheat record continues among New Zealand farmers.

Methven farmer Craige Mackenzie last month failed in his much-publicised attempt to beat the record with a crop of Wakanui. Prolonged dull, cool weather in January meant he was well below the target.

Chris Dennison of North Otago bought the record to New Zealand six years ago with a 15 t/ha yield.

He said two of his paddocks of Wakanui this year at 15.49 and 15.44 t/ha beat the old record, but the paddocks were too small to be ratified. Paddocks need to be over 8ha for an official record attempt.