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A little US – Canada Competition to Boost Wheat Yields

Feb 07, 2025
By Farms.com

Maximize Wheat Yield with Great Lakes YEN

The Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network (YEN) is a data-driven initiative designed to help wheat farmers understand and enhance their crop yields. Developed in partnership with leading agricultural organizations, the program provides detailed insights into field performance through benchmarking and analysis. 

Participating growers collect and submit data throughout the season, including soil, tissue, and whole plant samples. Once harvest is complete, each farmer receives a comprehensive 35+ page report comparing their farm’s performance with others. This allows them to identify factors affecting their wheat yield and improve their crop management strategies. 

In-person wrap-up meetings are held in Ontario, Michigan, and Kentucky to discuss findings and share insights. Farmers can register early to receive their sampling materials before the February launch. The program also offers networking opportunities, including an upcoming trip to the United Kingdom, where participants will visit farms involved in the UK-based YEN program, established in 2012. 

Each farm’s data remains confidential and is only accessible to the individual grower. The program is supported by various agricultural organizations and sponsors, including Mennel Milling, Ardent Mills, and Michigan Ag Commodities, to help offset costs. 

The Great Lakes YEN continues to encourage farmers to experiment, learn from peers, and improve their wheat yields based on data-backed insights. For more information, visit GreatLakesYEN.com or follow #GreatLakesYEN


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Triticale: The Comeback Kid

Video: Triticale: The Comeback Kid

Presented by Joanna Follings, Cereals Specialist with the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness (OMAFA).

Joanna explores triticale’s potential as a high-yielding forage crop, with a focus on agronomic management practices to optimize performance in livestock systems. Comparisons with other cereals and strategies for integration into double-cropping systems are also discussed.

The purpose of the Forage Focus conference is to bring fresh ideas and new research results to Ontario forage producers across the ruminant livestock and commercial hay sectors.