23 ONTARIO GRAIN FARMER AUGUST 2024 on fields in the Boston and Lincolnshire area, noted that he is planting fewer fields of oilseed rape this year specifically due to flea beetle and Brown stopped growing the crop after neonicotinoid insecticides were banned across the European Union. SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS Some growers who have participated in the YEN program over the last few years have taken the sampling and analysis required as part of the program a step further — Joe Vickers has started experimenting with in-field tissue testing to influence his management decisions. By implementing SAP testing and Brix refractometers in the field, Vickers is trying to determine in realtime the nutrient uptake of the plant. He hopes that this will allow him to tweak his inputs during the season, leading to the most efficient use of fertilizers while helping him achieve higher yields. Each of the farmers shared how the final report they receive from participating in the YEN is what encourages them to sign up for the program year-over-year. Even farmers who have fine-tuned their recipe for success, such as multiple world-record award winner Tim Lamyman, continue to participate in the YEN because the robust summary report at the end of the season provides him with the opportunity to learn something new every year. Lamyman noted that with the constant changes farmers are facing, such as new pest pressures and increasing pesticide resistance, continually learning what aspects of his crop management could be improved and discovering what practices his neighbours are implementing is critical for his success. To learn more about the YEN programs managed by ADAS, visit www.yen.adas.co.uk. To learn more about the Great Lakes YEN program, visit www.greatlakesyen.com. Alexandra Dacey, M.Sc., is Grain Farmers of Ontario’s agronomy project coordinator. • ALKALINE SOILS WITH MINIMAL TOPSOIL OVERTOP A LARGE CHALK OR LIMESTONE LAYER. AWARD-WINNING WHEAT YIELDS IN THE UK ARE OFTEN GROWN ON CHALKY ALKALINE SOILS. CHARACTERIZED BY A UNIQUE CRUMBLY TEXTURE, MARK STUBBS WAS EAGER TO DIG A SAMPLE AND SHOW THE GROUP AT HIS FARM IN THE LINCOLNSHIRE WOLDS. THE LARGEST U.K. ARABLE EVENT, CEREALS HOSTS BETWEEN 15,000-20,000 ATTENDEES ANNUALLY, 600 CROP PLOTS, AND OVER 450 EXHIBITORS.
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