The crop scientists behind the Yield Enhancement Network (YEN) have launched a new, online-only option for linseed growers.
Linseed YEN Lite has been developed with funding from Premium Crops with the aim of giving growers a simplified way to measure and track crop performance year on year.
Nigel Padbury from Premium Crops says by supporting the development of Linseed YEN Lite, the company aims to enable growers to access the same YEN benefits as the oilseed rape equivalent, but more easily and at an affordable cost.
Instead of asking growers to collect crop and soil samples from the field for laboratory analysis, Linseed YEN Lite members are asked to submit their own soil descriptions and summaries of their agronomy decisions throughout the year. ADAS crop researchers then supplement this information with available weather, agronomy, and soil data for that grower’s locality.
Bespoke reports
Post harvest, Linseed YEN Lite members will receive a short bespoke report detailing how their 2024 crop compares to the linseed crops of other members across more than 30 different factors including agronomy and resource availability.
The report will also reveal how close that grower came to reaching their maximum possible yield based on known light and water availability on their farm.
“Crop growth entirely depends on the ability of the crop to capture all the water and light it requires and finding ways to maximise that ability is key to enhancing yields,” says Ben Hauge from ADAS. “Once you have your post-harvest YEN report, it’ll help to fine-tune crop management – whether that be optimising nitrogen inputs or changing sowing rates.
Free places
This year, a limited number of sponsored places covering the cost of entry are available for new growers wishing to join Linseed YEN Lite. For those wishing to enter independently, entry for 2024 costs £150 + VAT.
Linseed YEN Lite membership includes a complimentary ticket to the Annual YEN Awards Conference – an opportunity to network with progressive cereal, oilseed and pulse growers from across Europe as well as and industry leaders. Entrants also have the option of entering a competition for best spring or winter linseed yield and best percentage of potential yield.
