Wheat yields soar in great lakes YEN

Farmers achieve outstanding results in 2023-2024 YEN competition

The Great Lakes Yield Enhancement Network (YEN) has announced the winners of the 2023-2024 winter wheat competition.

This annual program, which began in 2021, brings together farmers from Michigan and Ontario to improve wheat yields through data collection, collaboration, and industry support.

The top winners in the highest yield category are Nick Suwyn from Wayland, Michigan, with 171.9 bushels per acre, followed by Jeffery Krohn from Elkton, Michigan, with 170.1 bushels per acre, and John Kilbourne from Mount Brydges, Ontario, with 160.2 bushels per acre. These farmers achieved impressive results despite the challenges posed by delayed planting and wet conditions.

The Great Lakes YEN is unique in its focus on data, offering farmers detailed insights on more than 200 data points throughout the growing season.

Participants receive a comprehensive 30+ page report to track their performance and identify areas for improvement in wheat production.

The competition also highlights yield potential, with Jeffery Krohn reaching 155% of his potential yield, demonstrating the value of precision in wheat management. Tim Layton and Rich D’Arcy also achieved impressive percentages of their potential yield.

As the project enters its fourth year, the Great Lakes YEN continues to foster collaboration and knowledge exchange, helping farmers grow healthier, higher-yielding crops. Farmers interested in participating in the next season can find more information on how to join the 2024-2025 competition by visiting the Great Lakes YEN website.

Farmers, partners, and sponsors all contributed to the program’s success, and registration for the next YEN program closes on January 31, 2025.